Selection of Citizens
In the actual selection of girls as citizens of Girls State, merit and ability alone are the basis for selection. No girls are permitted to attend because of either poverty or wealth. Girls State is not a program for the underprivileged girls, nor is it a summer camp for recreation. Fees (tuition) is paid by The American Legion Auxiliary or other community-minded organizations with little or no expense to a young woman and her family.
The school recommends several candidates to the sponsors. The guideline of qualifications are listed below in order of importance:
- Interest in government
- leadership
- character and honesty
- scholarship
- cooperativeness
- community participation
- knowledge of parliamentary procedures
- 2.75 GPA