Girls are eligible to attend Girls State if they meet the following criteria:

​

• they have completed their junior year in high school

• they are interested in government and current events

• they have high moral character

• they have strong leadership abilities

• they have an above-average scholastic standing

​

Girls State Delegates are a diverse group of women who share a common desire to learn. From small towns to urban areas, the delegates' different backgrounds add spirit to the program.

 

Selection of Girls State Citizens

​

It is recommended that the selection of girls be made in each case by a committee, consisting of the high school principal, counselor, or JROTC instructor, unit president, and the Girls State chairman, in addition to the head of any other organization sponsoring the citizens. Each high school will be required to verify the Girls eligibility.  Girls State is intended for the most outstanding girls, from the standpoint of leadership, character, and scholarship in high schools. Only those girls who will enthusiastically devote their FULL TIME to increasing their knowledge, while at the same time advancing the whole Girls State Program, should be chosen.   

 

Sponsorship

​

Girls will be accepted for enrollment when sponsored directly by a unit of the American Legion Auxiliary or approved by a unit for sponsorship by another organization. Every unit of the American Legion Auxiliary in Georgia is urged to sponsor one or more citizens to Girls State. It is expected that most of the citizens will be sponsored by units. However, sponsorship of some citizens by civic, fraternal, and patriotic organizations is highly encouraged, provided the citizens are enrolled through a local unit. Any organization wishing to sponsor one or more citizens should contact the president or Girls State Chairman of the unit. Likewise, units are encouraged to contact community organizations most likely to sponsor a citizen. All organizations paying citizens registration fees will be listed as sponsors, and they will receive recognition for full participation in the program. All citizens sponsored by organizations other than units will be selected in the same manner as those sponsored by Auxiliary units. Enrollment is limited. Therefore, Auxiliary units and other organizations desiring to sponsor citizens should make plans early to do so, sending fees at the earliest convenient date.

 

Registration Information

​

All applications must be completed by May 1, 2026. The $350.00 registration fee is also due no later than May 1, 2026.

 

If a unit has not yet selected the girls it plans to sponsor by this date, the registration fees for the intended number of participants should still be submitted.

 

It is imperative that applicants complete their applications by May 1 to allow sufficient time for schools to complete the required verification before the end of the school year.

 

Arrival and Departure

​

Georgia Girls State will be held on the campus of Valdosta State University, with housing provided in Georgia Hall (Valdosta State University Campus Map & Directions).

 

Participants should report to Georgia Hall on Sunday, June 7, 2026, between 1:00 and 3:30 p.m.

 

The program concludes with a graduation and inauguration ceremony ending at approximately 11:30 a.m. Citizens may depart following the ceremony and should make arrangements to leave campus no later than 1:00 p.m. on Friday, June 12, 2026.

.
Guests are invited. The sponsoring American Legion Auxiliary Unit is responsible for arranging transportation. Some units require parents to provide transportation.