Programs

Summer Experiences

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.

Upcoming Summer Experiences

A JSA summer is one to remember.

Group of high school students smiling and dressed formally for a youth leadership training, sitting on a bench inside.

Stern Civics Immersion Program

Designed to challenge high school students to dig in deep on the issues. Previous courses include Environmental Justice, Global Poverty, Inequality & Justice, and Design Thinking for Community Problem Solving.

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National Convention

Immerse yourself in social and political debate topics, thought-provoking talks, and hands-on activism activities.

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Group of JSA high school students smiling with their certificates of completion.

Civics Institute Micronesia

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

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Burd Institute on Media & Politics

Students will learn about the fundamentals of journalism, collaborate with their peers on content creation, and hear from current media professionals about the challenges they face in the current political moment.

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A student with long blonde hair wearing a blue and white neck scarf and glasses speaks seriously at a podium for a student leadership experience.

Young Women’s Leadership Institute

Students learn about the history of women’s leadership in the United States, hear directly from the women addressing critical issues locally and internationally today, and learn invaluable lessons about themselves along the way.

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Key Benefits

Engage with your peers and mentors for a hands-on experience centered on direct civic action.

Lessons for growth.

Challenge yourself this summer. You’ll come away with skills, confidence, and new ways of seeing the world.

Skills for success.

Engage with college-level curriculum, participate in activism projects you generate, and push yourself to new levels.

Relationships for life.

You’ll meet peers from across the country who are passionate about issues that concern you most, and make lifelong friends.

  • Not only did I learn valuable lessons that will help me become a better leader and an active member of my community, but I also met some incredible new people and got even more inspired to make positive change. I will definitely keep in touch with my friends from the institute.

    2020 JSA Summer Institute Alum
  • As a member of the very first girls' Summer School class, this was a thrilling and life-expanding experience not only for me but for 23 other teenage girls brought together from throughout California. The impact of that JSA summer, and subsequent involvement with JSA activities and friends, followed by civic involvement in all the years since has remained an important part of my life for more than 70 years! Thank you, JSA!

    Jeana K.
    JSA Summer Institute Alum