Become a Miss Candidate

About the Competition

The iconic Miss California Competition will celebrate its 100th Anniversary in June 2024! We are a Miss America State Organization that has changed with the times as women and their roles in society have evolved. Through participation in our state and local programs, candidates have opportunities to advocate for their own initiatives that impact society, earn scholarships, and participate in numerous achievement opportunities. Are you about growth in leadership skills, talent, communication skills and educational scholarships? Join us! To become a Miss California candidate, you must first enter and win a local competition, and there are even opportunities to win a local competition online. All of the information you need to get started is right here.

Phases of Competition

The Miss California Competition is composed of four main phases:
 

1. Job Interview with the Selection Panel

2. Onstage interview & Social Impact Initiative Pitch

3. Talent

4. Red Carpet (Evening Wear)

Each candidate must have a social impact initiative that she will advocate during her year of service.

Eligibility Requirements

AGE
 

• Candidate must be at least nineteen (19) years of age by December 31 of the year of the State Competition and must not be older than twenty-six (26) years of age on December 31st of the year of the State Competition.

RESIDENCY - SCHOOL ATTENDANCE - EMPLOYMENT

Must fulfill ONE of the following:

• Must reside in the license area of the local competition

• Be enrolled in and physically attending classes on a full-time basis at an accredited college or university within the license area of the local competition

• Be employed on a full-time basis within the license area of the local competition

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Defined license area info is described on the Local Competitions pages. Competitions described as "open statewide" are available to any eligible candidate in the state of California.

CITIZENSHIP
 

• Must be a citizen of the United States of America

Too young? Check out our Miss California’s OT Program.

Additional Requirements

• Register for participation in the Miss America Organization ($35/year)

• Pay participation fees required by the Miss America Organization ($75/local competition and $325 for state competition)

• Register to raise funds for the Miss America Foundation (MAF), Miss America’s Scholarship foundation

• Meet character criteria set forth by the Miss America Organization.

• Be able to meet the time commitment and job responsibilities as set forth by the local competition and the Miss California Organization.

• Demonstrate proficiency in Social Media