Programs

Stern Civics Immersion Program

A unique summer experience that empowers high school students to take action in response to today’s issues.

Group of high school students smiling and dressed informally, sitting inside for a summer school group democracy program.

Date
In-Person: July 1 - 19, 2024
Duration
3 Weeks
Location
Stanford University
Cost
$5,295
Apply Now

Applications for the 2024 program cohort are now open!

About the Program

The Stern Civics Immersion Program is a three-week residential summer program.

Junior State of America’s 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.

Previous courses include Environmental Justice, Global Poverty, Inequality and Justice, and Design Thinking for Community Problem Solving. In addition to the primary course of study each summer, all students will take a supplementary course: Argumentation and Use of Evidence.

Who Should Attend?

The material for the Civics Immersion program is designed for high school students in 9th-12th grade.

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

Stern Civics Immersion In-Person Courses

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

I learned so much about environmental justice! If I had to pick one thing that was reinforced throughout this program it would be the idea that all movements are interconnected and intersect.
I joined the Civics Immersion Program to gain some knowledge and awareness about modern-day issues. I also wanted to have a network of students and teachers that I could reach out to whenever I needed help.

Have questions?

How do I apply to JSA Summer Programs?

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.

All views lead here.

Fall State Registration is Open!

Run a Chapter

All views lead here.

Explore

Stern Civics Immersion Program

Date

Duration

Location

Cost

Applications for the 2024 program cohort are now open!

About the Program

Who Should Attend?

Key Takeaways

Goals & Outcomes

Students who participate in our Civics Immersion program will:

Stern Civics Immersion In-Person Courses

FAQs

Have questions?

How do I apply to JSA Summer Programs?

Do I need to be a member of JSA to attend Summer Experiences?

Are transcripts or letters of recommendation required for Summer Programs?

What is included in my tuition?

Are scholarships available for Summer Experiences?

Do I need to be vaccinated to attend in-person events?

How can I contact someone with questions?