Boys and Girls State to receive state funding

By The Dispatch Staff, newsroom@oneidadispatch.com, @OneidaDispatch on Twitter

POSTED: 04/17/14, 12:37 PM EDT | UPDATED: 1 DAY AGO

Boys and Girls State programs will receive New York state funding this year.

The state budget includes both organization, runs by the American Legion and the Legion Auxiliary, respectively.

“At Boys and Girls State, teenagers learn what it truly takes to be an engaged citizen. It’s an immersive experience in building democracy, whether it be on the city, county or state level,” said Sen. Joe Griffo, D-47. “This is an important educational opportunity for our civic leaders of tomorrow. I’m pleased to have been a long-time guest speaker as well as an advocate for this needed funding.”

“Boys and Girls State provide a unique opportunity for our future leaders to learn about government,” Sen. Dave Valesky, D-53, said. “I’ve seen firsthand what a valuable experience it is for participants and was pleased to help secure funding to ensure it continues.”

Morrisville State College will receive $100,000 to cover the housing costs for 1,100 seniors at Boys State this year, June 27 to July 3. The College at Brockport will receive $50,000 to help defer the housing costs of the 360 seniors who will attend Girls State this summer from June 30 to July 6.

Several prominent media and political figures have attended both Boys and Girls State, including Bill Clinton, George Pataki, Tom Brokaw, Jane Pauley, and Janet Napolitano.

http://www.oneidadispatch.com/general-news/20140417/boys-and-girls-state-to-receive-state-funding