Can a virtual civic education program match the engagement and relationship-building of in-person events? Tennessee Boys State proved it’s not only possible but extraordinarily effective.

Challenge

Tennessee Boys State, a prestigious week-long civic education program for high school seniors operated by The American Legion, faced a critical decision during the pandemic. Their traditional in-person leadership simulation required intense student interaction, mock elections, and city-based competitions. With students spread across Tennessee and growing concerns about Zoom fatigue, they needed a solution that could maintain their high standards for engagement without technical barriers.

Solution

With student engagement and accessibility as top priorities, Hyperspace delivered a comprehensive virtual environment that transformed the program:

• Browser-based platform requiring no downloads, compatible with any device
• Interactive 3D spaces with customizable avatars and live audio/video capabilities
• Built-in voting and metrics tools for streamlined election management
• Separate virtual rooms for city meetings and state-wide gatherings
• Unique engagement features, including over 1,000 avatar gestures and gamification elements, set Hyperspace apart from other platforms

Implementation

The program adopted a hybrid model where delegates connected virtually while counselors coordinated from Tennessee Tech. Hyperspace’s platform enabled immediate voice conversations, interactive presentations, and city-specific meeting spaces. The built-in gamification features kept students engaged, while automated polling tools simplified the traditionally time-consuming ballot counting process.

Delegates connect in a hybrid roundtable session during the Tennessee Boys State event, combining in-person and virtual participation through MootUp by Hyperspace.

Impact

• Engagement: Achieved 85% retention rate, matching traditional in-person events
• Interaction: Students created genuine connections through voice chat and avatar interactions, generating over 1,000 social gestures
• Efficiency: Ballot counting time reduced from several hours to minutes

Customer Testimonials

“It was absolutely amazing!… Our boys, our delegates were able to form relationships in a virtual atmosphere when we thought that was going to be impossible in a virtual Boys State.”
— Jason Murphy, Chairman Tennessee Boys State & Member of the American Legion

“Could a virtual event platform give us the flexibility to cover so many rewarding interactions?”
— Precious Edmonds, Boys State Technology Coordinator & Administrative Associate at Tennessee Tech University

Student Experience

• Formed strong bonds and developed inside jokes within their cities
• Built thriving virtual communities
• Maintained high engagement throughout the program
• Adapted quickly to the platform’s features

Delegates attend a hybrid auditorium session during the Tennessee Boys State event, blending live video with immersive virtual participation in MootUp by Hyperspace.

Transforming the Future of Civic Education

The success of Tennessee Boys State’s virtual program demonstrates that meaningful leadership development and community building can thrive in digital spaces. Their experience shows how Hyperspace’s platform bridges the gap between traditional in-person connections and modern virtual necessity.

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