Become a Contestant
The Road to Miss California and Miss California's Teen starts here!
See the local competitions in your area and read about our at-large program
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About the Competition
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, contestants have opportunities to advocate for their own initiatives that impact society, earn scholarships, and participate in numerous achievement opportunities.
Miss
The Miss California competition began in Santa Cruz in 1924 and is one of the longest running State Miss America pageants in the country. Our State pageant has been held in Santa Cruz (1924, 1925, 1947 - 1985), San Francisco (1926 - 1946), San Diego (1986 - 1993) Fresno (1994 - 2002, 2026 - current), and Visalia (2023 - 2025), and six women have won the crown of Miss America.
Teen
The Miss California’s Teen competition began in June 1999 as California’s Outstanding Teen, the first Outstanding Teen program in the nation. It became the model for the creation of Miss America’s Outstanding Teen in 2005. The name was changed to Miss America's Teen in 2023.
Are you about growth in leadership skills, talent, communication skills and educational scholarships? Join us!
To become a Miss California delegate, you may enter and win a local competition, or you may enter the Miss California Competition directly as an At-Large contestant. All of the information you need to get started is right here.
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Phases of Competition
The Miss California and Miss California Teen Competitions are composed of five phases:
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Private Interview with the Selection Panel - 30%
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Onstage Conversation - 10%
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Performing Arts Talent/HERStory - 20%
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Evening Gown - 20%
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Health and Fitness - 20%
Each contestant must have a Community Service Initiative (CSI) that she will advocate during her time of service.
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Eligibility Requirements
AGE
RESIDENCY - SCHOOL ATTENDANCE - EMPLOYMENT
Must fulfill ONE of the following:
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Must reside in the license area of the local competition
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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
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Be employed on a full-time basis within the license area of the local competition
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
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Must be a citizen of the United States of America
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Additional Requirements
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Pay participation fees required by the local and/or state organization.
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Meet character criteria set forth by the Miss America Organization.
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Be able to meet the time commitment and job responsibilities.
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Be proficient in Social Media