# Junior State of America (JSA) Junior State of America (JSA) is the largest student-run political and civic education organization in the United States, with chapters at over 450 high schools across the country. Unlike adult-run programs, JSA is genuinely student-led—every convention, debate, and program is organized and facilitated by high schoolers, making it one of the most powerful leadership development experiences available to civically minded students. ## What Is JSA? JSA was founded in 1934 with the conviction that young people can and should engage seriously with the political process, policy debates, and civic life long before they're old enough to vote. JSA provides: - A non-partisan forum where students debate actual political issues - A training ground for debate, public speaking, and political argumentation - A national community of civically engaged peers - Leadership opportunities at every level—chapter, regional, and national JSA is explicitly non-partisan: it does not endorse candidates, parties, or positions. The goal is to develop rigorous, principled argument on all sides of political questions. ## Chapter Activities Every JSA chapter runs regular meetings at their school, typically featuring: - Structured debates on current political topics (domestic policy, foreign policy, constitutional law) - Preparation for fall and spring conventions - Community engagement projects - Voter registration drives for eligible members and peers - State government simulations ## Fall and Spring Conventions JSA's regional "Staters" and national conventions are the centerpiece of the program. At conventions, hundreds of students gather for a weekend of structured political debate: **Legislative Sessions**: Students argue bills and resolutions in simulated congressional chambers, using parliamentary procedure **Supreme Court Simulations**: Students argue constitutional law questions before mock justices (fellow students) **Executive Sessions**: Presidential-style policy discussions and negotiation **Debate Tournaments**: Formal debate rounds on the convention's central political themes **Keynote Speakers**: Elected officials, journalists, academics, and policy experts address the full assembly ## Summer Schools JSA's summer programs offer week-long intensive civic education experiences at university campuses including Stanford, Georgetown, Harvard, and the University of Michigan. Summer school curricula combine seminars, debates, guest speakers, and collaborative policy projects. Summer school acceptance is selective, and the programs represent JSA's most intensive leadership development experience. ## Who Should Join JSA? JSA is ideal for students who: - Are passionate about politics, government, and public policy - Want to develop debate and argumentation skills in a real-world context - Are interested in law, political science, journalism, or public service - Want leadership experience that is genuinely student-run - Are excited to engage with students who hold diverse political views ## College Application Value JSA involvement—especially chapter leadership positions, convention debate awards, and summer school participation—is highly regarded by admissions committees at Georgetown, George Washington, American University, Yale, and other schools with strong political science and public policy programs. Running a chapter as president demonstrates genuine leadership, not just participation.