HAMMOND – Southeastern Louisiana University will host the Louisiana Department of the American Legion’s Louisiana Boys State program in 2025. This will mark the first time in 18 years that the hands-on learning experience, where rising high school seniors master the ins and outs of the Louisiana political system, will be held in south Louisiana.
Louisiana Boys State (LABS) is the premier leadership development program for young men in the state of Louisiana. Sponsored by the Louisiana Department of the American Legion, LABS is dedicated to providing a hands-on learning environment in which participants (termed “Citizens”) not only learn the ins and outs of the Louisiana political system, but also learn how to transform themselves into effective leaders in their school, community, state and country.
“We are honored to have been selected to serve as the host of the Louisiana Boys State program,” said Southeastern President William S. Wainwright. “Boys State and Southeastern share a common vision in preparing future leaders to become strong citizens who will shape our communities in positive ways beyond measure.”
The program is set to be held June 22 – 28, 2025, and will celebrate its 85th anniversary.
“The Louisiana Department of the American Legion has proudly sponsored Louisiana Boys State since 1940, and we are excited to host our state’s best and brightest young men at Southeastern starting in 2025,” said Louisiana Boys State Commission Chair Tina Cielatka. “Year after year, young men leave the program transformed to be the leaders of tomorrow, and I’m excited to have Southeastern as a partner in that mission.”
The program’s hands-on approach allows participants to experience for themselves the various issues faced by government officials. Every single program attendee is elected to a position by their peers and challenged to overcome issues faced by local government officials, craft legislation, and play an active role in the judicial system.
During the program Citizens are surrounded by similar young men, those who – like they – have distinguished themselves as leaders. They join an organization that has existed in Louisiana for more than 80 years and are among an elite group of men who have gone on to become business leaders, doctors, legislators, governors and presidents.
Citizens also have the opportunity to interact with leaders from across the state including local and state government officials, business leaders, members of the media, and active service officers or officer cadets in the U.S. military. Speakers from a variety of backgrounds offer their
perspectives on what leadership and public service mean and look like in the real world.
“Though our program is changing locations, our mission remains to develop civically engaged young men, who are impactful citizens in their communities,” said Micah Scott, Louisiana Boys State staff member. “We take great pride in the opportunity the American Legion has created to positively affect so many over the last 84 years and look forward to continuing that tradition in a new location. We believe transitioning to Southeastern will allow us to serve our delegates in an even greater way and we look forward to this exciting, new partnership. ”
For more information, visit laboysstate.com.
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