A Resource from Rep. James Thibault

Youth Civic Resources

A curated guide to the very best civics, government, and leadership opportunities available to New Hampshire students — from local page programs to national scholarships.

"I want to ensure that as many students as possible have access to just as many experiences as I had in civics, if not more."

— Rep. James Thibault, Merrimack District 25

Government & Leadership Programs

These are hands-on programs where Granite State students step into the roles of legislators, delegates, and pages — gaining real-world experience in how our democracy works.

Live Free & Lead

A brand new civics education program for high schoolers, led by Rep. Thibault himself. Learn leadership directly from the people who govern our state — from both parties and all three branches of government.

  • 6-week summer program, twice weekly
  • Open to all Granite State high schoolers
  • Personally led by Rep. Thibault

NH Legislative Youth Advisory Council (LYAC)

A high school and postsecondary student committee that provides the youth perspective on state policy, governed by RSA 19-K.

  • Direct input to state lawmakers
  • For high school & postsecondary students

Governor's Youth Advisory Council on Substance Misuse (GYAC)

Established by Executive Order 2020-12, this council brings high school voices to bear on New Hampshire's substance abuse crisis.

  • Meets monthly in Executive Council Chambers
  • High school students only

American Legion Boys State & Girls State

A week-long, immersive simulation of local, county, and state government for rising seniors. Two delegates are selected annually to attend Boys/Girls Nation in Washington, D.C.

  • Rising high school seniors
  • Scholarships available
  • Path to Boys/Girls Nation

American Legion Oratorical Contest

A constitutional speech competition for middle and high school students featuring three annual constitutional topics. Scholarships available at multiple levels.

  • Middle & high school students
  • Focus on U.S. Constitution
  • Scholarship opportunities

NH State House & Senate Page Programs

One-day opportunities for high school students to assist with House or Senate duties during legislative sessions — a first-hand look at how laws are made in the Granite State.

  • High school students
  • Held during legislative sessions

U.S. Senate Page Program

A historical program dating to 1829 that places students on the Senate floor. Paid positions with attendance at the Capitol Hill school. Apply through NH's U.S. Senators.

  • Paid position
  • Includes Capitol Hill school
  • Apply through NH Senators

U.S. Senate Youth Program (USSYP)

Established by Senate Resolution 324 in 1962, USSYP selects two high school juniors or seniors per state for a free trip to D.C. and a $10,000 scholarship.

  • $10,000 scholarship
  • Free D.C. trip
  • Meet federal officials

Essay & Speech Competitions

Sharpen your voice, defend your ideas, and earn scholarships. These competitions reward students who take their civic thinking to the next level.

VFW Voice of Democracy

A recorded speech competition for grades 9–12 with substantial scholarship rewards at both the state and national levels.

  • Grades 9–12
  • State first place: $1,000+
  • National first place: $35,000

VFW Patriot's Pen

An essay contest for middle schoolers (grades 6–8), 300–400 words. Excellent stepping stone into civic writing with real scholarship dollars on the line.

  • Grades 6–8, 300–400 words
  • State first place: $500+
  • National first place: $5,000

NH YMCA Youth and Government

A comprehensive simulation of state government that includes caucusing, drafting legislation, and arguing Supreme Court cases. Students can participate year after year.

  • Simulation of state government
  • Draft legislation & argue cases
  • Repeatable annually

Educational Resources

Free, high-quality resources students, parents, and teachers can use anytime to deepen their understanding of American and New Hampshire history and government.

National Constitution Center

Free resources dedicated to the U.S. Constitution — including clause-by-clause analysis and full high school curricula.

  • Clause-by-clause analysis
  • High school curricula

NHCivics

Teacher seminars, parent events, and student activities. Also home to the New Hampshire Kid Governor program.

  • Teacher & parent programming
  • NH Kid Governor program

iCivics

Founded by Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. Free online games and curricula that make civics engaging and interactive.

  • Founded by Justice O'Connor
  • Free games & curricula

NH State Archives

Educational resources on New Hampshire history, including the annual History in the 603 Contest.

  • NH state history resources
  • History in the 603 Contest

America 250 Digital Founders Museum

Videos on the signers of the Declaration of Independence, along with Revolutionary War era resources, from the White House.

  • Founders biographies & video
  • Revolutionary War resources

New Hampshire Historical Society

A physical collection in Concord alongside a robust set of online educational materials and Granite State history resources.

  • Physical collection in Concord
  • Online educational materials

Not Sure Where to Start?

Rep. Thibault personally welcomes students, parents, and educators to reach out. Whether you're looking for guidance on which program is right for you, need help with an application, or want to learn more about civic life in New Hampshire — he's ready to help.