• The Boys Nation program is sponsored by the American Legion, which describes it as "a week-long citizenship and government program in the nation's capital."
• Boys Nation, which dates to 1946, includes 98 participants, called "senators," selected from Boys State programs in 49 states (Hawaii doesn't have one).
• Senators are high school students who have finished their junior year. In Washington, they're organized into political parties that develop platforms and nominate candidates for office, culminating in the election of a Boys Nation president and vice president.
• Senators take part in senate sessions and committee hearings on bills that they have drafted. The week also includes lectures, forums and field trips to agencies, institutions and important sites in the D.C. area.
Source: American Legion
