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American Legion North Dakota Boys State is for male students who have just completed their junior year of high school. 

• The 83rd Session of North Dakota Boys State will be held at the North Dakota State College of Science from June 14th - 19th, 2026.

• Arrival and registration at Boys State is from 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM at the NDSCS Student Center on June 14th, 2026. 

  • • If a delegate needs to arrive at a different time, please contact Garrett Anderson (NDBS Recruitment Director) at garrett.anderson@ndboysstate.org or at (701)799-0306.

ND Boys State does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law. Our program is dedicated to fostering civil discourse, respect, diversity, and equality for everyone involved. North Dakota Boys State is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all participants.

Because of the quality and outstanding record of North Dakota Boys State, the ND Department of Public Instruction has allowed ND Boys State to issue credits toward graduation for delegates who attend the full week of ND Boys State. 

Upon completion of the week, delegates are given information which they can submit to their school and will receive a social studies/humanities credit. Depending on the graduation requirements of schools, it is within their discretion to issue 0.25 or 0.5 credit hours.

In addition, the Civics Test Requirement (enacted in 2015 by Governor Dalrymple in House Bill 1087) for graduation is also issued by North Dakota Boys State to all delegates who complete the Boys State program, and can also be submitted to their school to meet the requirement. 

TUITION FOR ATTENDANCE 

The tuition for North Dakota American Legion Boys State is $300.

• Tuition is usually paid by the local Legion Post or through donations from local businesses or community organizations. 

• Tuition covers the full week of Boys State including meals, lodging, materials, athletic activities and other necessities. 

• Tuition does not include transportation to Boys State.

  • • Please reach out to your local Legion Post about sponsorship.

    • If you need assistance with locating your local legion, please contact Teri Bryant (ND American Legion Program Coordinator) at programs@ndlegion.org or at (701)293-3120.

Delegates are only responsible for the following costs themselves:

• • • • • • A $15.00 NDBS T-Shirt (needed for photographs and certain activities). 

            • • Additional merchandise may also be purchased during the week.

          • A $10.00 room key deposit (refunded during checkout upon return of the room key).

Delegates may also bring cash to have on hand for snacks and drinks, but it is not recommended that delegates bring large amounts of money, as all necessities are covered during the week.

WHO COVERS THE TUITION OF BOYS STATE?

A delegate may be financially sponsored by any person or organization.

• Most local American Legion posts pay for delegates, but local businesses and fraternal organizations may also provide tuition. 

• All registrations are processed through the local American Legion posts.

  • • Should you need help identifying your nearest Legion post, or need information regarding avaliability of scholarships, please contact Garrett Anderson (NDBS Recruitment Director) at garrett.anderson@ndboysstate.org or at (701)799-0306.

CAN YOU DONATE TO THE PROGRAM?

The $300 tuition does not represent the full cost associated with a delegate attending Boys State. 

• The tuition is kept artificially low to encourage a large number of boys to attend, which means donations from individuals and groups are needed to make up the difference.  

• Donations may be mailed to North Dakota Boys State, PO Box 5057, West Fargo, ND 58078-5057. 

• Donations of any amount are greatly appreciated!

NORTH DAKOTA AMERICAN LEGION FOUNDATION | TRUST FUND

Within the North Dakota American Legion Foundation an account has been set up for the benefit of the Boys State program. 

• All Memorial donations are recognized and appreciated. 

• There are provisions for you to include Boys State (or any other American Legion program) in your Will. 

• Information on the North Dakota American Legion Foundation may be obtained by contacting the Adjutant, ND American Legion Foundation Secretary.

Students who apply for ND Boys State prior to the priority deadline (typically the last Friday of April) are eligible for one of three scholarships sponsored by North Dakota Boys State Inc. 

• At the end the week, the three scholarships ($250, $150, and $100) are presented to three randomly selected recipients. 

• Scholarships are awarded for the student’s first fall semester, and are only eligible at North Dakota colleges and universities.

See also: Samsung Scholarship

Delegates have the option to drive themselves, ride with a parent/guardian or other person, or take advantage of the two bus routes which run in the northern and southern halves of the state.

The bus transportation is provided to and from Wahpeton for the 2026 session of North Dakota Boys State, with two available routes:

• Northern Route - beginning in Williston along US HWY 2 to Grand Forks, then I-29 to Wahpeton.

• Southern Route - beginning in Dickinson along I-94 to Fargo, then I-29 to Wahpeton.  

Please see this document for the most up to date information on the bus transportation schedule for the 2026 session:

• Bus Transportation for Boys State 2026

Please use this document to help pack in preparation for Boys State.

• What Should I Bring to Boys State?

Interview with Director, Dean of Government, and Recruitment Director on News & Views with Joel Heitkamp hosted by Jamie Selzler on March 16th, 2026

• Director of North Dakota Boys State Neil Litton, Dean of Government and former NDBS Governor Mitchell Smette and Recruitment Director Garrett Anderson speak to Jamie (also an NDBS alumnus and longtime counselor) about how Boys State works, the skills which delegates develop over the course of the week, the importance of civic engagement, and the life-changing opportunity that Boys State provides to young men in the state of North Dakota.

Interview with Dean of Counselors on KFYR+ with Jay Dylan on March 10th, 2026

• Dean of Counselors of North Dakota Boys State Joshua Jeffers of Bismarck, ND speaks to Jay about how Boys State is an immersive program where students practice democracy firsthand and build their leadership skills.