Harding University will host the 69th session of Arkansas Girls State May 27-June 1. This will be the University’s 22nd year to host the event.

Girls State is a program created by the American Legion Auxiliary to provide high school juniors the experience to participate in hands-on citizenship training. 

High school juniors throughout Arkansas are selected each year for their interest in government, honesty, leadership ability and good character. They will arrive on the University’s campus May 27 for an opening session in Benson Auditorium. Harding University President David B. Burks, Searcy Mayor David Morris, and Associate Executive Director of the American Studies Institute and Dean of Lifelong Learning Bob Reely will join several others in welcoming the girls.

Approximately 900 girls from across the state will spend the week learning elements of government by establishing an imaginary state and holding elections of public officials on local, county and state levels. Those elected will then carry out the duties of each respective public office.

Students will have the opportunity to perform in the Girls State Choir under the direction of Craig Jones, choral director at Harding Academy, and band, under the direction of Trey Reely, band director at Riverview High School. They will also have the opportunity to attend a career panel session with professionals from numerous vocations and visit the Senate and House Chambers of the Arkansas State Capitol.

For more information about Girls State, contact the American Legion Auxiliary office at 501-374-5836.

With an enrollment of more than 7,100 students, Harding is the largest private university in Arkansas and attracts more National Merit Scholars than any other private university in the state. Harding also maintains campuses in Australia, Chile, England, France, Greece, Italy and Zambia.