BGSU to host American Legion Auxiliary Buckeye Girls State conference for third straight year

Nonpartisan event educates Ohio high school students about city, county and state government

For the third consecutive year, Bowling Green State University will host the American Legion Auxiliary Buckeye Girls State conference June 8-14, bringing more than 600 high school students and staff members to campus for a weeklong residential experience to learn about city, county and state government.

As one of the largest Girls State conferences in the nation, the annual event uses a nonpartisan, nonpolitical approach to teach rising Ohio high school seniors about the privileges, rights and responsibilities of good citizenship in American government.

During Buckeye Girls State at BGSU – Ohio's No. 1 public university for the student experience – participants, known as delegates, attend government workshops; take part in legislative sessions; and learn about campaigning, party rallies, debating and voting.

"We are so pleased to welcome Buckeye Girls State back to Bowling Green State University for the third year in a row," BGSU President Rodney K. Rogers said. "As a public university for the public good, Bowling Green is committed to empowering the next generation of learners to be engaged in our democracy. We are grateful to the American Legion Auxiliary of Ohio for their continued trust in BGSU, a place that promotes lifelong learning and civic engagement, traits that lead to great careers and great lives."

Buckeye Girls State delegates are selected for attendance by American Legion Auxiliary Units across Ohio based on their leadership qualities, academic achievements and interest in government and current events.

Sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary of Ohio, Buckeye Girls State returned to BGSU in 2023 after last being held at the University in 1997. The 2026 Buckeye Girls State conference is set to return to BGSU, located in Ohio's second safest college town.