The Junior State of America Foundation
EducationCalifornia, United States51-200 Employees
Junior State of America (JSA) was a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan educational organization. JSA aimed to strengthen American democracy by educating and preparing high school students for life-long involvement and responsible leadership in a democratic society. As a student-led organization, JSA members learned the value of statesmanship as they engaged in political discourse. They cultivated democratic leadership skills, challenged one another to think critically, advocated their own opinions, developed respect for opposing views, and learned to rise above self-interest to promote the public good. Founded in 1934, JSA had a long list of alumni who followed the path of civic life, including elected officials, cabinet members, and prominent members of the media, business, and academia. Over the years JSA helped over 500,000 students acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to be active, informed and responsible citizens, voters and leaders.