Every year, thousands of high school students come together to debate and discuss pressing political and social issues at Junior State conventions and conferences. In cities throughout the nation, JSA holds over 40 day-long conferences and overnight, weekend conventions. These major events give students the opportunity to learn about the issues and exchange viewpoints in an open environment where opinions may be scrutinized and challenged, but are welcome and appreciated.

One Day Conferences

The Junior State of America holds several one day conferences each year.  These student-run conferences are typically held on a Saturday on the campus of a major university.  Debates, thought talks, guest speakers and simulations fill the day, just like at overnight conventions.

One Day conferences offer students a great chance to prepare for JSA overnight conventions, meet students from nearby high schools and debate and discuss topics within a unifying theme that is less broad than overnight convention themes.  Recent JSA One Day conferences have focused on law and justice, American history, elections, and foreign policy.

Overnight Conventions

A stimulating and electric atmosphere fills the convention hall at every overnight convention. Three convention cycles each year – our “Fall State” conventions, mock congressional simulations known as “Winter Congress,” and “Spring State” conventions – offer a wide range of topics and activities to engage and inform students from all backgrounds.

Use the events feed at the right to find upcoming events, or go to events.jsa.org for a complete event listing.