Each June, high school students from across New Hampshire gather for a weeklong immersion in civics, leadership, and public service through Boys State, a program sponsored by the American Legion. Held on the storied campus of Saint Anselm College—a site nationally known for its role in the first-in-the-nation presidential primary—students walk the same halls and debate in the same rooms where countless presidential candidates have made their case to voters.
This summer, as part of their experiential learning, Boys State participants once again engaged with The Concord Coalition’s Principles & Priorities exercise, stepping into the shoes of federal lawmakers to develop and debate a balanced national budget. With a strong foundation already laid from earlier sessions on legislative process and public finance, the budget simulation challenged students to wrestle with trade-offs, defend their priorities, and confront the consequences of inaction.
“Too often, the long-term fiscal challenges we face are ignored in the political process,” said Kyle Duffy, Concord Coalition Policy Analyst and Boys State alumnus. “But these issues—from rising debt to the future of Social Security and Medicare—are going to fall squarely on the shoulders of the next generation. Giving young people a chance to engage now, before they’re even eligible to vote, is one of the most important things we can do to strengthen democracy.”
This year’s simulation was facilitated by Tyler Sweeney, a former Concord staff member and now active volunteer, with the help of a dedicated team of Boys State leaders who brought energy, creativity, and a strong command of the issues to the exercise. Together, they guided students through the difficult process of analyzing spending priorities, considering tax policies, and making informed compromises to reduce deficits.
Students frequently come away from the Principles & Priorities session with a deeper understanding of how budgeting reflects our national values—and why real solutions require grappling with both economic realities and the needs of diverse stakeholders.
The Concord Coalition is proud to continue its longstanding partnership with Boys State and to help foster the next generation of civic-minded leaders, right at the heart of one of America’s most historic political venues.
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