School-Year Experience

2019 Northeast and Southeast Winter Congress

February 8 - 10, 2019
Past Event

On February 8-10th, 2019, the Junior State of America will hold its annual Winter Congress minutes away from our nation’s capital at the Doubletree Crystal City in Arlington, Virginia. The student leaders hope you can join hundreds of other students and teachers from across the Northeast and Southeast for an exciting educational experience at this three-day, two night, student-run simulation of the United States congressional legislative process.

Textbook accounts of how a bill becomes a law can never convey the passions of lawmaking. Even viewing Congress in session fails to give a sense of the heated debates that go on in committee hearings or the compromising done in back room meetings. Winter Congress lets you experience not only becoming a member of Congress and seeing everything from the back room logrolling to the fiery speeches on the floor of the House and Senate, but also the thrill of having your own legislation passed by Congress or the anguish of watching your bill defeated. You will also get to debate other student’s bills, propose amendments to make them better, or do your best to prevent a bad bill from passing.

The student leaders create the Winter Congress simulation through assembling a team led by a Convention Coordinator and Bill Director and selecting students to serve as House and Senate leaders, committee chairs and clerks, etc. Through engaging in spirited debates, Winter Congress will give you the unique opportunity to think critically, express your own opinions, and challenge the opinions of others in a tolerant, supportive atmosphere. You will also have the opportunity to meet students from other schools through a variety of other events, including a dance and a Washington, D.C. Moonlight Monument Tour.

What are School-Year Experiences?

School-Year Experiences are planned and run at the state and chapter -level. These experiences include multi-day state conventions, chapter conventions, and regional events that connect the student citizens of JSA Nation.

Learn about School-Year Experiences