The best youth leadership experience in the State of Nevada. Apply today for a fun and amazing experience!
The 2025 Session will take place from June 13th to 20th on the University of Nevada Reno Campus.
Apply now for the 2025 Session.
Scholarships
Multiple scholarships are awarded to attendees each year, including the Samsung Scholarship , Oratorical Contest Scholarship, Court Case Scholarship and Romaine Roethel Scholarship.
Competition
Compete in exciting athletics and team-building exercises throughout the week as teams compete for Honor City. Create new and lasting friendships.
Prestigious
Nationally recognized as a premier leadership conference. Former delegates include Governors Sandoval and Gibbons and US Senator Harry Reid. Exceptional delegates have the opportunity to attend Boys’ Nation in Washington DC.
Testimonials
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Nevada Boys’ State is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that has helped me grow into who I am today. The program offers an “inside look” at how our local and state governments run while allowing delegates the chance to run for office. The counseling staff creates an environment for delegates to not only thrive — but grow. You leave the program forever changed with a newfound sense of honor and duty.
Parker Junger, Graduate/Staff -
Nevada Boys State was an amazing experience where I made new, diverse, lifelong friends. I wish more programs were as awesome as NBS. My personal favorite part was passing legislation in the actual House of Representatives! So cool!
Trevor Goldsmith, West Career & Technical Academy, 2016 -
My son attended the 2017 Program of Nevada Boys State and found the event unlike anything he had ever experienced. He loved it, and the friendships he made in the one week, will last a lifetime. We can’t thank the men of the American Legion enough. What they do for the future of these young men is priceless.
Tallah Tracy, Mom -
This program was truly memorable. I attended as a delegate in 2012 and was able to create and develop new friendships I keep today and skills I continue to use. I highly recommend this program for any high school junior boy who wants to learn more about how local government works and how to develop the best external and internal leadership skills. When you fully engage yourself into the program, Nevada Boys State will be one of the best weeks of your life.
Collin Haire, Staff/Graduate -
I attended this program as a youth and returned as a staffer. While it is hard to communicate the benefits of this one week program, one of the easiest things to say about Boys’ State is that it is fun. You’ll learn a lot about how your state and local government work, compete against your peers and other teams and realize you can do more than you thought was possible. I highly recommend this program to anyone who is serious about making meaningful improvements to their future and life or who wants to have a fun week away from home at UNR.
Ryan Hamilton, Staff/Graduate -
The program was phenomenal. I had the time of my life in just one week and made so many friends. I feel that I am a more knowledgeable person now when it comes to politics and that I have a greater understanding of what it means to lead.
2006 Delegate -
It was the greatest experience that I have ever had away from my home for more than a week. I think what you do at NBS [Nevada Boys’ State] is great and I hope it continues for a very long time.
2014 Delegate -
The American Legion has done outstanding things for America’s youth through the Boys State leadership program. When I was a young boy in Searchlight, going to school in Henderson, I had never traveled out of the area except to play baseball. During my Junior year I was selected to go to Nevada Boys’ State. We went 450 miles away to Reno, and that was a big deal for me. It was an experience I will never forget, so I have a great warmness in my heart for the American Legion and for the Nevada Boys’ State.
Senator Harry Reid, US Senate
Deciding to Apply?
The program allows you to create any type of experience you can imagine. The possibilities are endless.
Program Overview
View an example schedule, general program explanation and past speakers to gain a greater understanding of the program.
History
Learn the program’s history, civic identity and founding principles.
University of Nevada Reno
UNR is a wonderful host, providing a first class dining and housing facilities. Visit the official University of Nevada Website.
Earn College Credit
While attending Boys State you may apply for academic credit. This is optional and paid directly to program administrator.
Program in Pictures
View pictures from the program that capture the spirit of this truly life-changing week.
Meet the Team
Our volunteer staff is dedicated to making Nevada Boys State the best experience of your summer. It is fun for us — and fun for you!