Junior State of America (JSA)

It is with a heavy heart that the Board of Directors of the Junior State of America (JSA) is announcing the closure and dissolution of the organization effective August 31, 2024. After 90 years of inspiring student engagement in civics and activism, and after long business considerations, we have made this difficult decision to officially close the organization. While this chapter of JSA's history is coming to an end, the impact of our organization will continue to resonate through the hundreds of thousands of lives touched by our programs. Thank you for being a part of the JSA community and for your unwavering commitment to being the people who make a difference. Read the full announcement at https://bit.ly/4ciIIqc.

*Attention JSA Alumni* We are working to create a way for alumni to stay connected, share their experiences, and continue the conversations that JSA sparked in all of us. If you’d like to remain informed and involved with JSA alumni initiatives and updates, we invite you to opt into future communications by filling out this form at https://bit.ly/46S9zZ2.

Congrats to these four upper-schoolers for having successfully participated in the Junior State of America (JSA) this past school year, with two students having been elected to regional positions! JSA is a 90-year-old, student-led organization that focuses on developing leadership skills and fomenting civic engagement by way of debating current events and presenting, discussing and attempting to pass mock legislation in a bicameral Senate. "While they have many ways to accomplish the above mentioned mission, our CA chapter is most engaged in the various yearly congresses and conventions that are held across the country, with the Winter Congress in Washington D.C. acting as the marquee event," said Dr. Alex Jacky, who teaches Spanish in our Upper School and shared this news with us. At the JSA Winter Conference this past February, rising senior Sophie L. was elected as Lieutenant Governor and classmate Clara S. was elected as Governor of the Ohio River Valley Chapter. According to Dr. Jacky, these elections result in Sophie and Clara holding the two most important positions in our region for the next year. Rising juniors Jessica S. and Lara W. also introduced one of only a handful of laws passed among the hundreds that were presented and debated at the conference. Dr. Jacky added that their bill on subsidizing nuclear power by taxing ecologically irresponsible companies "was brilliant and passed easily." We look forward to following the progress of Academy's participants in Junior State of America (JSA) during the 2024-25 school year! Learn more about the program at jsa.org.

Hey there, Boston-based JSA alumni! It's time to celebrate JSA's 90th anniversary with a happy hour on Thursday, July 18. Let's come together and reminisce about the impact JSA has had on your lives and how it continues to shape the leaders of tomorrow. This is an awesome opportunity to reconnect with old friends and make new connections. Mark your calendars and make sure to RSVP at https://bit.ly/4eOJOMA. And don’t forget to spread the word to as many JSA alumni in the Boston region as possible. Can’t wait to see you all there! #JSATurns90

JSA student delegate Annika was spotted in Rome proudly wearing her JSA 90th Anniversary T-shirt. Join us in our 90th anniversary celebration by purchasing your T-shirt or hoodie at https://lnkd.in/ebqKUqvq.

Congratulations to the winners of the JSA Chapter of the Year Award! This year's winners are Morton West High School, Kofa High School, Woodbridge Academy Magnet School, Health Careers High School, John H. Pitman High School, Naples High School, and Clarkstown South High School. These chapters are recognized for their exceptional dedication to fostering political awareness, debate, and community involvement among students. Watch their video submissions at this link: https://bit.ly/3zep2WC.

John H. Pitman High School's JSA chapter has been honored with the prestigious JSA National Civic Impact Award, marking the first time they have received this recognition. This award is given to the JSA chapter that has made the greatest impact in promoting civic awareness and engagement among their peers. The recipient of this award is selected from the Chapter of the Year honorees, a title that the JSA Pitman Chapter has earned four times. Read more in this news article: https://bit.ly/45HqPzw

The JSA board of directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Rachel Kaganoff as interim chief executive officer. Rachel served as JSA's CEO for four years before retiring in 2023. Rachel was a devoted JSAer in high school. She served on the JSA Board of Directors for more than a decade, including serving as JSA’s second female Board President. Learn more about Rachel at https://lnkd.in/g-tWNimr.

Our student leaders will be hosting a virtual mixer on June 30 to guide interested students through the process of starting a JSA Chapter. This mixer will provide valuable information on how to establish and run a successful JSA Chapter at their high school. Students will have the opportunity to gain insight into the benefits of joining JSA, such as honing their debate and public speaking skills, as well as engaging in discussions on important political and social issues. If you know a high school student who would be interested in this opportunity, please encourage them to attend the virtual mixer to learn more. Registration link – https://lnkd.in/gY4WmKyC #juniorstateofamerica #allviewsleadhere #HighSchoolStudents #JSAChapter #VirtualMixer #LeadershipOpportunities #YouthEmpowerment #StudentInvolvement #CivicEngagement #FutureLeaders #GetInvolved #studentleadership #highschool #debateclub #highschoolclub #changemakers #nonprofit #youthcivics #youthleadership #youthdevelopment #debate

Financial aid is available for our three-week residential summer program at Stanford University. The Stern Civics Immersion Program is open to high school students in grades 10 - 12. Participants will be empowered to take action in response to today’s political issues. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/gQKnt-gF.