The 70th annual session of Dirigo Girls’ State will be held Sunday, June 19, through Friday, June 24, on the Husson University Campus in Bangor, according to a news release from The American Legion Auxiliary Department of Maine.

The program, for girls who have complete their junior year, is a non-partisan opportunity for young women to learn about responsible citizenship in a democratic society. The Girls’ State program is a government simulation in which delegates role-play campaigns and elections for local, county and state government. Once elected delegates learn the operational processes under which our government functions. The bill writing process, the role of lobbyists and the judiciary are also explored.

Two girls at the end of the week will be selected to go on to Girls’ Nation in Washington D.C. More than 25,000 girls have participated in the program since it was started in 1947.

During the week multiple speakers will address the Girls’ State delegates, speakers include Senator Angus King via Skype, Maine’s Attorney General Janet Mills, and other state lawmakers and leaders.