JSA summer programs are immersive learning experiences that engage students with college-level curriculum, collaborative projects, and activism opportunities to give them a unique perspective on the important issues facing America today.
The Civics Immersion Program is designed to engage high school students with the most pressing issues facing our democracy today, challenging them to look beyond differences and focus on solution-oriented action. Participants gain a complete understanding of critical issues directly from the decision-makers who shape public policy and apply lessons learned to generate ideas for direct action in their communities.
Students who participate in our Civics Immersion program will:
- Be better equipped to participate in government at the national, state, and local levels.
- Be able to lead and participate in civil conversations with people from different backgrounds and perspectives.
- Learn and demonstrate effective 21st-century leadership skills.
- Be ready to address current and future political, economic, and social issues facing the world.
- Be better suited to succeed in secondary and post-secondary education environments.
- Develop and hone essential critical thinking skills.
Courses include:
- Campaigns & Elections: The Politics of Change in America facilitated by: David McCuan
- Global Poverty, Inequality, & Justice facilitated by: Azamat Sakiev
- Global Conflict facilitated by: Stephen Magu
- Democracy & Social Media facilitated by: Andrea McClanahan
- Argumentation & Use of Evidence facilitated by: Thomas Arndt
Location(s)
- Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.
- Stanford University, Stanford, California
- Remote
Schedule
- Three weeks in July
Cost/Compensation
- $5,295 tuition
Eligibility Requirements
- High school students ages 14-19
- In-person attendees must be fully vaccinated
Deadline
- April 1
Application or Entry Requirements
- Online registration
- Fees must be paid before the program begins.
Notifications of Decisions
Financial Aid Details
Scholarship opportunities are available for all of our summer programs. Students can apply for scholarships as part of their program application.
Other Dates to Keep in Mind
Have other questions?
Junior State of America (JSA) is a non-partisan youth organization that aims to prepare a diverse community of high school students to participate effectively in democracy. As the largest student-run organization in the United States, local, regional, and state student leaders work together to organize and host JSA conventions, conferences, and political awareness events around the country. The JSA also sponsors three- and four-week Summer School sessions at prestigious universities nationwide. Notable alumni of JSA include Leon Panetta (former Secretary of Defense and Director of the Central Intelligence Agency), Jennifer Palmieri (White House Communication Director), and NFL great Tom Brady. Since JSA was founded in 1934, over 500,000 student members have participated in Junior State of America events.
