Our institutes introduce students to important topics of civic action through dialogue, engagement, and experience.
Summer institutes are seven sessions over a two-week period, designed to support and empower high school students to look beyond problems, and focus on solution-oriented action. Each institute combines a speakers program, interactive student activities, and collaborative projects, all of which offer a unique perspective on the important issues facing America today.
You’ll meet elected officials, journalists, activists, and leaders, as well as students from across the U.S. and world.
A focus on specific issues drives each JSA Summer Institute, giving students a chance to become experts in the topic of their choice.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all JSA Summer Institutes will be held virtually!
Students posing for a selfie with Senator Cory Booker after his speech.
Burd Institute on Media & Politics
Young Women's Leadership Institute
Civics Immersion Program
Courses that may be offered include community organizing, voting rights and activism, advocacy journalism, and race and gender in politics. This experience is designed to support and empower high school students to look beyond problems and focus on solution-oriented action. Students will dig deeper into the most pressing issues we face today and apply lessons learned to solve real-life problems in their communities.