What can I do before arriving at ALA IGS?

Prior to your arrival, we encourage you to attend a Girls State orientation. Your sponsoring American Legion Auxiliary Unit can assist you with this. If there is not an orientation near you, please call our Department Headquarters at 1-309-663-9366. They can assist you in locating an orientation or possibly finding you a former citizen to talk to.

PLEASE READ ALL INFORMATION ON THE WEBSITE AND IN THE DOWNLOAD PACKETS ONCE YOUR APPLICATION HAS BEEN ACCEPTED. Many of these forms are dated and must be filled out and returned soon after you receive them. Others will need to be filled out and brought with you to American Legion Auxiliary Illini Girls State.

When packing, remember that YOU are the only one carrying your luggage. Pack Smart! 

There is a talent show on Friday evening with a preview show on Thursday night. Please bring your talent with you and try out! We do have a piano available as well as a sound system. If you have a CD of music that is great! You can bring your own musical instrument as well. We cannot guarantee an accompanist, but we will try. You can also wait until you arrive at ALA IGS and plan a talent with your city!

We also have a shopping center that has ALA IGS clothing and souvenirs. Please plan on bringing enough money to shop. They will be open Sunday on arrival as well as every meal time. We accepts checks and cash. We are equipped to accept credit or debit cards. Worried about leaving or carrying cash with you? ALA IGS offers a bank as well. There is no minimum or maximum that you can deposit. The bank is open at all meal times so you can always get to your money to shop.

Here is the address for you to receive mail while at ALA IGS!
Give it to family and friends!
Your Name
2151 4th Street
Lawson Hall ALA IGS City _________________
Charleston, IL 61920

For information about Eastern Illinois University Campus, its policies, and a map of the campus, click on the EIU link of the side of this website.

Scholarship Options

There are two scholarship opportunities available to our citizens.

The Jane and Samantha Thompson Scholarship - is awarded to the newly elected Governor once completion of the necessary forms are received in the Department office.

The Samsung Scholarship is awarded to one of the citizens. This scholarship does require that the applicant be the descendent of a veteran. The winner is sent on for National competition and the chance to win $20,000.

Samsung Scholarship

The Eastern Illinois University Boy's / Girl's State Scholarship:
The following criteria:
1. Available to incoming freshmen, male and female, who participated in the “Boy’s/Girl’s” State Program at EIU during the summer season.
2. The winning recipients must be planning to attend EIU during their freshman year in the fall term. The award amount is $1,500 per scholarship and it will show as a credit to the student’s university account for the academic year.
3. This scholarship is non-renewable.
4. This application form, accompanied with a letter of reference from the students school principal.

Supplemental Questions
Is this your first semester in college after graduating high school?
Did you attend Boys or Girls State?
Are you an incoming freshman?
Please submit the name and email of your principal who you have asked to send a reference on your behalf.

Each year the American Legion Auxiliary, Department of Illinois proudly offers scholarship opportunities to the youth of our nation's veterans.

For complete rules and applications (including those offered by the National Organization) please contact your local Auxiliary Unit or call Department Headquarters at 309-663-9366 to locate a Unit near you.

Ada Mucklestone Memorial Scholarship: For graduating High School Senior.
Applicants for this scholarship shall be children, grandchildren or great-grandchildren of veterans who served in the Armed Forces during the eligibility dates for membership in the American Legion. This scholarship is for students finishing their senior year of high school or are graduates of an accredited high school, but who have not attended an institution of higher learning. Applicant must be a resident of the State of Illinois or a member in good standing of the American Legion Family, Department of Illinois.The Ada Mucklestone Memorial Scholarship will provide $1,000 scholarships as funds permit.

Illinois Scholarship for Junior Members:
Applicants for this award shall be Junior members of the Department of Illinois American Legion Auxiliary, said Juniot to have held membership in the Department of Illinois American Legion Auxiliary for the past three (3) years and must now hold a membership card for the current year. Junior members may be daughters, granddaughters, great-granddaughters, or sistes of the veteran.
The Illinois Scholarship for Junior Members will provide $1,000 scholarships as funds permit.

Past Presidents Parley Nurses Scholarship:
All applicants must be in their Senior year of high school or be a graduate of an accrediated high school and must be in need of financial assistance to continue their education. Each successful applicant will receive a $1,000 scholarship which is awarded in July.

Scholarships are awarded only to FULL TIME students enrolled in accrediated schools or hospital programs. Any applicant who has previously received a Nurses Scholarship for the American Legion Auxiliary may apply again. The Application form must be processed through and American Legion Auxiliary unit in Illinois.