Programs - chief joseph

High School Oratorical Scholarship Program,
"A Constitutional Speech Contest,"

The High School Oratorical Scholarship Program is an opportunity for high school students to earn college money as they learn the meaning of the United States Constitution.  Starting at the post level and culminating in the National Contest in Indianapolis, students have the opportunity to present an 8 to 10 minute Prepared Oratory on any aspect of the Constitution.  They then will give an exemporary oratory on one of four portions of the constitution, the subjects known ahead of the competition, but the choice revealed moments before before they are to give their presentation.

The winner moves on to the next level, moving through district and department contests, with that winner moving orn to the national finals.  The prize at the lower levels are determined by that body, and an appearance at the national level earns a $1500.00 scholarship, just for showing up.

Elimination at the second national level earns another $1500.00 scholarship, with three winners moving on to the finals.  This contest has a third place a $14,000, second place a $16,000.00 and first place a $18,000.00 scholarship.

Junior Shooting Sports Program

The American Legion Junior Shooting Sports Program is a gun safety education and marksmanship program that encompasses the basic elements of safety, education, enjoyment and competition. Shooters use the .177 caliber air rifle. Both males and females can participate, through Legion sponsorship; disabled youth are encouraged to join, as competitive shooting is a sport that creates an equal playing field for all competitors. Contact your local Legion post, Sons of The American Legion squadron or Auxiliary unit for information about affiliating as a club or individual.
Junior Shooting Sports is a three-part program that combines the Basic Marksmanship Course, Qualification Awards and Air Rifle Competition into a well-rounded activity.

American Legion Boys' State and Nation

American Legion Boys State is among the most respected and selective educational programs of government instruction for U.S. high school students. A participatory program in which students become part of the operation of local, county and state government, Boys State was founded in 1935 to counter the socialism-inspired Young Pioneer Camps. The program was the idea of two Illinois Legionnaires, Hayes Kennedy and Harold Card, who organized the first Boys State at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield.

American Legion Auxiliary sponsors a separate but similar program for young women called Girls State.

At Boys State, participants learn the rights, privileges and responsibilities of franchised citizens. The training is objective and centers on the structure of city, county and state governments. Operated by students elected to various offices, Boys State activities include legislative sessions, court proceedings, law-enforcement presentations, assemblies, bands, choruses and recreational programs.

Legion posts select high school juniors to attend the program. In most cases, individual expenses are paid by a sponsoring post, a local business or another community-based organization.

Boys State programs currently exist in all Legion departments except Hawaii. As separate corporations, Boys State programs vary in content and method of procedure, but each adheres to the same basic concept: teaching government from the township to the state level.