Imagine there was a program in our state that taught high school students valuable life skills like leadership, patriotism and how government works on a day-to-day basis. Now, imagine there were people trying to silence its impact on our young scholars. That’s exactly what we are seeing with the American Legion Boys’ and Girls’ State programs.

Boys’ and Girls’ State is a week-long program for high school juniors focused on citizenship and leadership. Students learn the basic building blocks of state government and how it functions in the halls of Albany. They gain an appreciation for the character and temperament required, both individually and collectively, for government to succeed. Participants also take part in physical activities that emphasize teamwork and collaboration, skills that are valuable in any career field.

For many students, Boys’ and Girls’ State is just the beginning. Top participants are selected to attend Boys’ and Girls’ Nation in Washington, D.C., where they represent their states on the national stage. Notable alumni include Secretary of State Marco Rubio, President George W. Bush and President Bill Clinton, who famously met President John F. Kennedy during the program, a testament to the lasting impact these experiences can have.

At its core, the program is simple: a straightforward, meaningful education in civic duty. So why has there been pushback? One word: politics. In 2020, The New York Times published what many saw as an editorial attack on Boys and Girls State, labeling it everything from “rowdy” to “racist.” Unfortunately, the damage stuck. In the years since, some school administrators have quietly scaled back promotion of the program to the point where many students today don’t even know it exists.

I’ve spoken with countless parents and students across our community who want more opportunities like this, not fewer. I’ve also spoken with school administrators, some sympathetic, others dismissive. That should concern all of us. Civic engagement should be encouraged, not sidelined. Limiting awareness of programs like this only deprives students of valuable opportunities to grow and lead.

In an 1816 letter, Thomas Jefferson wrote, “If a nation expects to be ignorant and free… it expects what never was and never will be.” Without programs like Boys’ and Girls’ State, we risk proving that warning true. Our students deserve access to these opportunities and the chance to fully explore what’s available to them. These programs are invaluable, and I will continue advocating in Albany to ensure every student has the tools they need to succeed.