Girls State

Welcome to the American
Legion Auxiliary's Colorado Girls State 2024!

ALA CO Girls State 2024,
June 10, 2024 to June 15, 2024
Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, CO

Hello Prospective Delegates, 

My name is Marissa Sotomayor, and I am serving as the 2024 American Legion Auxiliary Colorado Girls State Director. This year’s program will be taking place in Sterling, from June 10th through June 15th. I am honored to lead this program, which has been near and dear to my heart since I was in your shoes as a delegate in 2012. It was ALA Colorado Girls State that ignited my passion for leadership and empowering women of all ages. I’ve come to believe that with education, connection, empowerment, and just a little bit of magic, women can meet the challenges the world presents and change it for the better. 

That’s why I’ve chosen this year’s Disney-oriented theme for ALA Colorado Girls State, “Where Dreams Are Made.” The first thing that may come to mind when you hear Disney may be that it’s childish – after all, they’re movies for children, right? Perhaps there is some truth to that, but if we look beyond the marketing, what we see in movies are stories with lessons that span generations. Disney movies contain messages about love, loss, growth, family, friendship, bravery, honesty, and many, many more. They present hard-hitting, common human experiences in digestible, accessible packages. Just as importantly though, this theme is intended to add a little levity to a program that is intense. ALA Colorado Girls State is packed with activities designed not only to educate you but to challenge you and inspire you. 

Our theme song for the upcoming session is, “Surface Pressure,” by Jessica Darrow, from one of my personal favorites, Encanto. For those who haven’t seen it, the song talks about what it feels like to be under immense pressure trying to meet insanely high expectations while doing everything in your power not to let those around you down. Thinking back to when I was a delegate, I was in that place, and I’ve lived there many times since. There’s no end to the challenges you’ll face throughout your life, but if there’s one thing I want all of you to leave the program knowing, it’s that you are enough. There will be cracks. There will be breaks. There will be mistakes, and you will be under pressure. Through it all, you will heal, learn, and grow. And you will still be enough, just as you are. 

I am so excited to welcome you to the program. I cannot wait to meet you all and bring just a little bit of magic into your lives. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. 

See you in June!

Marissa Sotomayor, 2024 Director

American Legion Auxiliary Colorado Girls State

director.alacgs@gmail.com

Mission of Girls State

“To provide an outstanding, unique, and coveted educational opportunity for the young women of our nation that instills the basic ideals and principles of American government through the American Legion Auxiliary Girls State and American Legion Auxiliary Girls Nation citizenship training programs.”

Auxiliary units in all 50 states proudly host ALA Girls State, an amazing week of learning focused on responsible citizenship and love for God and Country. Students are assigned to mock cities where, divided into the Federalist Party and Nationalist Party, they are immersed in learning about the political process from dedicated volunteers, along with some fun. 

To qualify to participate in ALA Girls State, girls must be in their Junior year of high school. The Colorado Girls State program is provided to qualified girls free of charge.

Read more about ALA Girls State |  Visit ALA Girls State on Facebook 
Read the Girls State Mid Year Report

2023 Delegate Manual

ALA CO Girls State Summary 2023

Delegate Application & Forms for ALA CO Girls State (ALACGS) Applications are due by May 1, 2024 (apply early to guarantee a spot)

2024 Girls State Online Application

Delegate Rules & Pledge 2024

Media Release 2024

Confidential Medical Record 2024

Dress Code 2024

Krav Maga Waiver 2024

Special Dietary Restrictions 2024 Optional

Bill Template

Samsung Scholarship

Northeastern Junior College Map

Suggested Packing List 2024

Penny War Flyer 2024

2024 ALACGS Brochure

2024 ALACGS Poster

Scholarship Opportunities New

Counselor and Jr Counselor Application for ALA CO Girls State (ALACGS) Applications Due by February 1, 2024

Junior Counselor and Counselor 2024 Application

Confidential Medical Record 2024

Dress Code 2024

Applications for ALACGS 2025 Director and Assistant Director

Please read the explanation sheet below if you are interested.                                   Applications due June 15, 2024

Explanation of ALACGS Director

ALACGS New Leadership Application

Unit Chairman Forms for ALA CO Girls State

Unit Chairmans Instructions 2024

Unit Chairmans Info Form 2024

Unit Chair Checklist 2024

Recruiting, Fundraising, Interviewing 2024

Enrollment Summary 2024

ALACGS Brochure 2024

ALACGS Poster 2024

ALA CO Girls State Steering Committee Opening!

One additional member to be added to this committee Explanation of the committee and expectations and the application available below.
Applications are due by March 31, 2023.

Explanation of Steering Committee Member

2023 Steering Committee Application

ALA CO Girls State Member-at-Large for Operating Committee Opening!

One member to be added to this committee for one year commitment. Applications are due by March 31, 2023.

2023 Member-at-Large Application

To get more information or to find a sponsoring Unit near you, please contact us!