Join JSA

JSA students hold leadership roles at every level of the organization. Students run for positions within their chapters, on a regional level, and at the state level. State-level elected governors serve on the National Council of Governors, who also appoint and lead the National Cabinet. Elected and appointed student leaders work in partnership with JSA staff to envision and implement school year programming.

By having real responsibility in the organization, students have the opportunity to practice their leadership and professional skills and learn how to be successful leaders in their communities.

Besides statewide conventions, a number of Chapter Conventions (ChapCons or ChapterCons) are held throughout the school year. Each chapter has the opportunity to host its own ChapterCon, organizing every last detail from the debates to logistics. They are a great opportunity to meet new people, establish strong relationships between chapters, and engage the JSA community between conventions.

Each JSA Governor appoints students to help them lead. In each JSA State, there are cabinet officers who are responsible for the planning and execution of JSA state conventions, along with producing state publicity content, leading student fundraising, providing organizational aid to chapter operations, coordinating JSA’s state and national activism initiatives, and more. Get to know your Directors of Activism, Chapter Internal Affairs, Debate, Expansion, Fundraising, Logistics, Production, and Public Relations—and reach out to them for support.

You can apply to JSA Summer Programs through our online portal, JSAConnect. First, you must create a JSAConnect account. Students can register, check their invoices, and pay online at JSAConnect. Fees must be paid before the program begins, or students will not be allowed to attend. The easiest and most secure way is to pay online via the JSAConnect portal. If necessary, you can also mail a check to our office or call (800) 334-5353 to inquire about paying over the phone.

Yes. Junior State of America was established in 1934, and has long been recognized by top colleges and universities for its strong school-year activities and rigorous summer programs.