Interior Announces FY2018 Support of Junior State of America Program for Students from U.S.-Affiliated Islands

WASHINGTON – Doug Domenech, Assistant Secretary for Insular and International Affairs, today announced $400,000 in funding support for the Junior State of America (JSA) program (formerly the Junior Statesmen of America) for students from the U.S. territories and the freely associated states.

“The Junior State for America Foundation helps educate and prepare high school students for lifelong involvement and responsible leadership with the goal of strengthening American democracy and democratic principles in young leaders,” said Assistant Secretary Domenech.  “We encourage these same principles for the students in the island areas and believe all youth -whether from the island areas or the 50 states - benefit mutually from exchanges and learning from one another.”

Through this program, four students from each insular area will attend a three-week summer school program on the campuses of Georgetown, Princeton, or Stanford where they develop reading, writing, leadership, and speaking skills.  Funding also supports a one-week academic preparation and community project program for 65 students in the insular areas and promotes political education as well as development of local JSA chapters in the islands.    

The Assistant Secretary Insular and International Affairs and the Office of Insular Affairs carry out the Secretary’s responsibilities for the U.S. territories of Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Additionally, OIA administers and oversees Federal assistance under the Compacts of Free Association to the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau. OIA supports the Secretary's mission of Fulfilling Trust and Insular Responsibilities through balancing efforts and limited resources towards stronger economic and health capacities, and fiscal accountability in the U.S. insular areas.