The Junior State of America (JSA) is a non-partisan student-run organization aimed to make high school students aware of and involved in political issues. Founded in California in 1934, JSA has since grown into a national organization, with chapters on high school campuses across the country.

JSA is a student-run organization. A governor and lieutenant governor are elected at the end of every academic year to preside over various aspects of the state during the following academic year, with separate leaders elected for the regions within each state

Over the summer, elected leaders select a board of advisors (called the cabinet) to aide them in running the State. Students are in charge of planning, running, debating, and moderating all JSA activities. Through events at the chapter, regional, and state level, JSA seeks to promote political awareness and activism in teenagers, and to encourage debate on a vast array of political issues.

Nationally, JSA chapters are organized geographically. The Mid-Atlantic State is comprised of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Washington, D.C., Virginia, North Carolina, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. If you live outside of these states and wish to participate in JSA, visit jsa.org to figure out which Junior State you belong to.