2023 Annual Report

Our Mission

Junior State of America, a student-led organization, prepares a diverse community of high school students to participate effectively in our democracy. We offer handson civic programs designed to activate the talents of young people, instill values of respect and understanding, and inspire them to be a new generation of American leaders.

TO OUR JUNIOR STATE OF AMERICA FAMILY AND SUPPORTERS,

Thank you for your belief in our mission. You are investing in engaged and informed youth who care about respectful discourse and civic engagement.

Working with high school students is a personal passion of mine. I came to JSA in 2021 as CFO/COO, and I am honored to now serve as CEO. JSA is dedicated to fostering civic engagement for the future of our democracy. What makes us so special, though, and what I hear and see consistently is that we are empowering students to be leaders in their schools, their families, and their communities. The skills that students gain from JSA are life-changing. As a youth, I was given opportunities to lead, and it is those leadership lessons and skills that have shaped my entire life. That is why I am here today serving JSA in our mission.

Together, in 2023, we empowered over 7,500 high school students to:

• Participate in stimulating school year and summer programs providing a space to learn about government and current political events and debate topics ranging from climate change policy to constitutional rights. Students researched issues, developed well-reasoned arguments, and engaged thoughtfully and respectfully with opposing views.

• Lead grassroots civic engagement initiatives, including voter registration drives, public awareness campaigns, and community service projects.

• Develop critical thinking skills, confidence in public speaking, and appreciation for ideological diversity—skills that will serve them both in high school and beyond.

Gifts to JSA allowed us to provide more than $1,000,000 in aid to 4,000 students this past year, ensuring access to our programs and experiences by removing cost barriers.

Simply put, we cannot nurture the next generation without the support of our family of donors. Your gifts directly impact our students and their potential to create positive change.

As we enter into celebrating 90 years of our mission in 2024, we know the future is bright!

Gratefully,

Jodi Wiseley Chief Executive Officer Junior State of America

2023 events

JSA is unique because we are driven by student members who are given the autonomy and responsibility to plan and execute civics-focused discussions, events, and activism projects throughout the year. Students have established chapters with over 7,500 members across 25 states and seven territories.

JSA STATES

PACIFIC NORTHWEST

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA (includes Alaska)

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA (includes Hawaii)

NORTHEAST

MIDWEST OHIO RIVER VALLEY MIDATLANTIC

TEXAS SOUTHEAST

TERRITORIES & FREELY ASSOCIATED STATES

American Samoa

Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands

Federated States of Micronesia

Guam

Republic of the Marshall Islands

Republic of Palau

U.S. Virgin Islands

FEBRUARY

Winter Congress

Arizona , Pacific Northwest, and SoCal (February 4-5)

Midwest, NorCal, and Ohio River Valley (February 18-19)

Mid-Atlantic, Northeast, Southeast, and Texas (February 25-26)

JANUARY 15

Elected Official Info Webinar

JANUARY 14

January Council of Governors Meeting

FEBRUARY

JSA elections and campaigning begins

MARCH

APRIL

Spring State

Arizona, NorCal, Ohio River Valley, Pacific Northwest, SoCal, and Texas (April 15-16)

Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, Northeast, and Southeast (April 22-23)

The Gubernatorial Candidate Meeting APRIL

MARCH 9

SXSWEDU 2023

Changing Activism: How Gen Z is Taking Action

JSA Student Elections Cycle Ends (State and Regional)

MAY 2

Earth Day Action Week Event

Interview with Marissa Boylan on Environmental Justice

MAY 19-21

May Council of Governors Meeting

APRIL 13

JSA Spring Gala

JUNE 23 - 30

The Gene A. Burd Institute on Media & Politics (in-person and virtual)

BY THE NUMBERS

7,774 ACTIVE MEMBERS

343 JSA chapters nationwide

25 U.S. states with active chapters

Stern Civics Immersion Program

74 National Events (in-person, online, and hybrid combined)

Young Women’s Leadership Institute

AUGUST 17-20

August Council of Governors Meeting

NOVEMBER–DECEMBER

Fall State

Northeast, Ohio River Valley, and Texas (November 4)

Pacific Northwest, SoCal, and Southeast (November18)

Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, and NorCal (December 2)

DECEMBER 3

Virtual National Fall State

NOVEMBER 9

2024 Presidential Post-Debate Debrief

Virtual Panel Discussion

Since 1934, Junior State of America has cultivated the next generation of civicminded leaders. With your support, 2023 was an exceptional year. Thank you for activating students to lead and participate in democracy. Our future is bright!

3

For the second year in a row, JSA student leaders were selected to present to educators at SXSW EDU in Austin, TX. Their session, “Changing Activism: How Gen Z is Taking Action,” was chosen from more than 1,200 proposals.

1

JSA hosted four summer programs on civics, media and politics, and leadership. We empowered students to host over 70 school-year experiences throughout the JSA Nation.

2

We solidified a three-year partnership with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), expanding upon their existing civics education programming from one summer institute to three per summer.

4

With a generous sponsorship from the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), JSA students hosted open discussions at school year conventions on freedom of speech issues. FIRE chose JSA to run its Free Speech Leadership Summit in 2024, a week-long summer program for students to explore free speech and free society.

5 In a highly competitive selection process, with only 15 chosen nationwide, three JSA alumni were selected as 2023-2024 White House Fellows.

6 The U.S. Department of the Interior’s Office (DOI) of Insular Affairs awarded JSA a $520,977 grant – the largest in our 32-year history of partnership. Since 1991, we have received over $3 million to help recruit JSA students and support more than 2,400 students with financial aid, ensuring access to our programming by removing cost barriers.

8

We hosted a successful annual gala in San Francisco, CA, and raised over $150,000 to support our mission.

7 In July, we welcomed Jodi Wiseley as the new Chief Executive Officer after long-time JSA member and advocate Rachel Kaganoff announced her retirement from the CEO position in March. Jodi previously served as JSA’s Chief Financial and Operating Officer.

MEET JSA ALUMNI

JSA MADE ITS MARK ON THEM; NOW, OUR ALUMS MAKE THEIR MARK WORLDWIDE.

WHEREVER THEY GO, THESE LEADERS TAKE A PIECE OF JSA WITH THEM. HEAR FROM THREE OUTSTANDING ALUMS.

Dan Meyers

Dan Meyers is a senior director for APCO Worldwide’s Washington-based public affairs practice and deputy managing director of APCO’s Washington, D.C. office. He is a former Republican political operative and White House representative specializing in public affairs and policy advocacy. Dan also serves as a JSA board member.

Dan’s JSA roles:

I was a chapter member, chapter president, governor, and cabinet member within the JSA State of Ohio River Valley. I was also fortunate to attend JSA summer programs. Now, I am thrilled to give back to JSA through my service as a board member.

Elizabeth Hunter

Liz Hunter has written or produced several television shows, including “ER” and “Charmed.” Liz also wrote several movies, including “The Fighting Temptations” and “Jumping the Broom.” Currently, she is writing on season two of Netflix’s “One Piece” and developing the New York Times bestseller “Summer on the Bluffs” for Amazon.

Elizabeth’s JSA roles:

I attended summer programs at Davis, USC, Stanford, and Georgetown. I was chapter president and director of development and eventually served as governor of California (when it was one state). I also served on the JSA board of directors for many wonderful years.

Mariah Sklyr, MSW

President Biden has appointed Mariah Sklyr to the 2023-2024 class of White House Fellows. Before her appointment, Mariah served as deputy executive director of the Wisconsin Association for Perinatal Care, where she focused on broadening the healthcare workforce by incorporating culturally adept providers and fostering a patient-centric system to address diverse needs and circumstances.

Mariah’s JSA roles:

I attended JSA’s summer program at Yale in 2009.

What did JSA instill in you that you still rely on today?

DAN: JSA instilled in me a life-long mentality of civic engagement and the importance of serving our country through public service or private enterprise. My training from JSA instilled a deep understanding and appreciation for how my work affects the broader community. JSA gave me the skills to form a proper debate - not just an emotional or ideological debatebut a realistic one.

ELIZABETH: JSA enhanced my understanding of civics and government. It also gave me confidence in my voice and my ability to speak publicly - all essential skills I use today.

MARIAH: JSA taught me the value of getting involved and staying involved not only in issues impacting me but issues impacting our country. I learned how to listen to perspectives I had never thought of or encountered with an ear for understanding, not simply to respond.

What makes you hopeful for the future of democracy in our nation?

DAN: I am inspired to watch new generations take significant leadership roles. To see young leaders step into leadership roles, govern, and make changes gives me tremendous hope for our future.

ELIZABETH: Politicians like Maxwell Frost and other Generation Z leaders who insist on creating a better world give me hope for the future.

MARIAH: I’m hopeful because young people continuously amaze me. They’re curious, selfless, and ultimately, want to care for their neighbor. We live in a polarized country, but much more nuance exists than many acknowledge. I’m hopeful we can reconnect as people and have a shared purpose and vision for our country that is welcoming and inclusive, in addition to holding on to the ability to disagree without hatred. I believe youth will make my dream a reality.

Why is JSA important right now?

DAN: Simply put, the political divisiveness of this country lends itself to an organization like JSA that stands for and teaches civil discourse - no one else is doing this! JSA gives youth the tools to engage in a nonviolent and respectful manner and to agree and disagree without being angry. They instill how to welcome and embrace diverse opinions while remaining passionate about your opinion. JSA is critical right now.

ELIZABETH: JSA is vital today because the only way we can maintain a working democracy and society is if Americans understand how our government works and can converse with each other based on a shared set of provable facts. JSA teaches and trains our youth in these principles.

MARIAH: Our country depends on the next group of leaders to uphold the integrity of our democracy, and JSA is preparing our country’s newest leaders to deploy lessons learned from their program. Public service isn’t flashy and is often thankless, but having youth engaged in the fight for freedom and the next generation’s freedom is the only way we will succeed as a country.

Throughout our history, we’ve touched the lives of hundreds of thousands of JSAers, who remain committed to the principles of democracy and their power to change it.

JSA has always been an important part of my life. JSA is why I am doing what I do today.

~ Dan

I learned civic engagement from JSA, and it’s only fitting that my career has brought me to where I am today!

~ Mariah

Financial Highlights

FY 2022–2023

REVENUE

 Summer Programs 38% ($1,296,126)

 School Year Programs 16% ($556,101)

 Fundraising 46% ($1,557,310)

54% of total revenue came from programs in FY 2022–2023.

EXPENSES

 Summer Programs 20% ($915,917)

 School Year Programs 54% ($2,501,983)

 General & Administrative 10% ($503,431)

 Support 16% ($737,440)

74% of expenses went toward programs in FY 2022–2023.

People

LEADERSHIP

Rachel Kaganoff

Chief Executive Officer, Retired in July 2023

Jodi Wiseley

Chief Executive Officer, Appointed in July 2023

STAFF

Ed Banayat

Senior Program Officer, State Director for Territories

Uday Sharad Joshi State Director for Mid-Atlantic and Northeast

Kiki Michelbacher State Director for SoCal and Pacific Northwest

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Vivian Tsai President

Beth Freeman Vice President

Shayna van Hoften Secretary

Doug Wertheimer Treasurer

COUNCIL OF GOVERNORS

2022–2023

Maritza R.P.

Arizona

Rishi J.

Mid-Atlantic

Ariel S. Midwest

Annabelle X. Northeast

Georgia L. Northern California

Sophia M. Ohio River Valley

Riya S. Pacific Northwest

Carlineissa Jean F. Southeast

Andee Steinman Chief of Staff

Colette Ankenman

Director of Programs, State Director for NorCal

Simon Muturi

Controller

Arizbeth Posada

Marketing & Communications Associate

Brittani Richardson

State Director for Midwest and Ohio River Valley

Tyler Morningstar Director of Development

Eliana Rodriguez Director of Marketing & Communications

Emily Slater Development Associate

Alzeta Wilson

Program Manager, State Director for Texas and Southeast

Zhuai Wu Accounting Clerk

Laura Ansell

Niraj Antani

Bonnie Goldberg Germain

Vishal Goradia

Jeff Harris

Larry Klane

James Lintott

Dan Meyers

Gabriel Stempinski

Tom Warden

Aashna R. Southern California

Kaitlyn H. Texas

2023–2024

Arnuv B. Mid-Atlantic

Ian R. Midwest

Maia G. Northeast

Mica J. Northern California

Soham G. Ohio River Valley

Jeff L. Pacific Northwest

Nathaniel M. Southeast

Amir K. Southern California

Tiziano P. Texas

“I give back to JSA because it teaches the skill of critical thinking, a foundational value for a healthy and successful American society.”

VISHAL GORADIA JSA alum, board member and supporter

Thank You from JSA

As a nonprofit organization, JSA relies on partnerships with donors to fulfill and amplify our mission. Your generous support enables us to break down financial barriers, expand program accessibility, and engage a wider demographic of students across the nation in transformative experiences. We deeply appreciate your invaluable contribution to fostering the next generation of American leaders.

“I give

to JSA

because it has gifted me with lifelong friendships, an incredible professional network, and the confidence to form and change my opinions.”

SABRINA LIEBERMAN JSA alum and supporter

“I give back to JSA now because it is important to support and build the society you wish to live in. I want high school students to know that adults care and support them in continuing the mission of making a more perfect union.”

BRETT MAGARAM JSA alum and supporter

HERO ($25,000+)

Doug Wertheimer & B eth Mitchner

James Lintott

Jean Stern Atkinson (deceased)

Rachel Kaganoff

The Foundation for Individual Rights and E xpression (FIRE)

CHAMPION ($10,000–$24,999)

David Gray Carlson

Gabriel Stempinski

Hurlbut Johnson Charitable Trusts

Larry Klane

Vishal Goradia

Vivian Tsai

Wanda & Scott Bekemeyer

ADVOCATE ($5,000–$9,999)

Alex Evans

Anonymous

Bonnie & Daniel Germain

George Mason University - S char School of Policy a nd Government

Hanson Bridgett LLP

Jennifer & Abe Friedman

Jennifer Wythes Vettel

June Thurber Paine & G arrett Paine

Maria Shim & Nick Fox

Michael & Debra Linick

Sharon Wertheimer

Victor Gallo

ACTIVIST ($2,500–$4,999)

Dianne Chipps Bailey

Jeff Harris

Jerry Newfarmer

John Absher

Pulp

Scott & Sharon Miller

Shayna Mittler & D erek van Hoften

Tom & Ellen Hoberman Ch aritable Trust

Tor Gronborg

ALLY ($1,000–$2,499)

Alicia Arroyo

Andee & James Steinman

Andrew Green & Emily Gee

Annique Riddle

Bill Hair

Carolyn Spitz

Drew Petrushka

Elizabeth Hunter

Estelle Saltzman

Helen Bennett

J. W. Mailliard, Jr. Trust

Jennie & Mike Cobb

Jodi & John Wiseley

Mary Aimone

Matthew Patchell

Michael McCurry

Morgan Tarling

Richard & Bonnie Sutton

Rosenthal Family Foundation

Sabrina Lieberman

Thom Taylor

Tom Warden

Tsai-Young Family Giving Fund

FRIEND ($500–$999)

Amy Davidson

Anna Waggener & Hossein Alidaee

April Chan

Ariel Shifrin

Brian Collins

Brian Mascarenhas

Daniel Henning

David Green

Grover Melo-Gore

James Longhofer

Jennifer Hayden

Joel Goodrich

Karyn Dest Harrington

Lindy Lilien

Madeline Chun

Mark Smith

Mike Fitzsimmons & E laine Chapin

Monicah Tahiliani

Peter Stoll

Regina Crilly Eberhart

Stephen Tsai

Tessa Kaganoff

Looking Ahead

JSA celebrates 90 years of our mission in 2024. Preparing high school students to participate effectively in our democracy has never been more critical.

At the heart of JSA are students who drive our organization’s mission and activities. We cannot wait to see what 2024 holds for us and our student leaders. As we look ahead, we invite you to read on and discover the remarkable changes and advancements that await us in 2024.

Evolving Programs

Our summer programs are evolving to provide participants with an even more enriching experience. We are thrilled to launch the inaugural JSA National Convention, taking place at the prestigious Georgetown University. This one-week residential program brings high school students together to engage in debates, thought talks, activism projects, and other stimulating activities. The Young Women’s Leadership Institute and The Gene A. Burd Institute on Media & Politics will be offered as specialized learning tracks within the National Convention.

Deepening Partnerships

In an expanded partnership with FIRE, we will be responsible for coordinating and supervising the logistical aspects of their Free Speech Leadership Summit, aimed at college-bound high school students. In our third year of partnership with the ACLU, we look forward to supporting the implementation of their three summer programs.

Planning For The Future

JSA is engaged in a strategic planning process that began in 2023 and is scheduled to wrap up in 2024. The result of this process is to develop a plan of action that will guide us in mission-focused decisionmaking and programming for the next three to five years.

Celebrating 90 Years

Join us as we commemorate 90 years of JSA! Throughout the year, we have numerous exciting activities lined up to honor JSA’s rich and diverse history. From coast to coast, we will be organizing regional alum events. On May 11, a special gala will take place at the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, DC. We will be hosting special alumni activities at all Spring State and Fall State conventions. Please stay connected with us on social media for throwback photos, and keep an eye on your inbox for additional ways to celebrate JSA’s 90th anniversary.

Your Support Empowers Future Leaders

Whether you are a student, alumnus, family member, corporate partner, or friend, you are part of our JSA family. Thank you for your support of our mission. We are dedicated to ensuring cost is not a barrier for student participation in our programs.

Help us engage more students in civics by making a gift, getting involved, or sharing your JSA story with a friend.

GIVE

Gifts to JSA directly impact students. Empower student leaders by giving access to immersive leadership experiences through civic engagement. Learn more about how you can support JSA, including gifts of cash, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer fundraising, planned giving, multi-year giving, stock transfers, endowed scholarships, and matching gifts. As a nonprofit 501c(3), gifts to JSA are eligible for a tax deduction.

 Learn more at jsa.org/donate

Tyler Morningstar Director of Development

 tmorningstar@jsa.org

 619-928-8299

CONNECT

As a JSA alumnus, you are part of a unique network of leaders and changemakers. Stay in touch with us, let us know what you are up to, share and comment on JSA social media, attend JSA events, and stay connected to our mission and each other.

 Learn more at jsa.org

PARTNER

Corporate and community partnerships allow JSA to expand our programming and reach more young leaders throughout the nation with our transformative experiences. We rely on the support of our community.

 Learn more at jsa.org/partner

P.O. Box 70933

Oakland, CA 94612

800-334-5353

jsa@jsa.org

JSA.ORG

 @jrstateofamerica

 @juniorstateofamerica

 @junior-state-of-america