American Legion Baseball is a national institution, having thrived through a world war, several national tragedies, and times of great prosperity as well as great despair. Since its inception in 1925, American Legion Baseball’s reputation as one of the most successful and tradition-rich amateur athletic leagues has endured. Today, the program registers teams in all 50 states plus Canada. Each year young people, ages 13 to 19, participate. Countless ALB alumni have also gone on to play in college and professional baseball, with 82 inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
American Legion Boys State is among the most respected and selective educational programs of government instruction for high school students. It is a participatory program where each student becomes a part of the operation of his local, county, and state government. At American Legion Boys State, participants are exposed to the rights and privileges, the duties and the responsibilities, of a franchised citizen. The training is objective and practical, with city, county, and state governments operated by the students elected to the various offices.
American Legion departments and posts are encouraged to sponsor Youth Cadet Law Enforcement Programs in cooperation with their State Police or Highway Patrol. From state to state the name of the program may vary and include such terms as Trooper Week Program, Law Enforcement Training, and State Police Youth Week.
The program provides first-hand experiences and insight into the operations of law enforcement agencies. The program also affords these highly motivated young people an opportunity to consider law enforcement as a potential career choice. Recruitment of high school students, both male and female, representing all communities and backgrounds in the state, is one goal of the program. Once these young people have been selected to attend the program, the law enforcement community is challenged to present a program that will instill an understanding and respect for law enforcement professionals and their techniques.
The American Legion’s National Oratorical Contest challenges high school students to explore and understand the U.S. Constitution while developing confidence, leadership, and communication skills. Since 1938, the program has prepared young people for citizenship through critical thinking and public speaking, while producing notable alumni such as former Vice President Mike Pence, commentator Lou Dobbs, and presidential candidate Alan Keyes.