WHAT IS CJSF?

California Junior Scholastic Federation (CJSF) is a statewide organization of over 600 chapters with a mission to foster high standards of scholarship, service, and citizenship in the students of California's public, private, or charter high schools and middle schools.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY?

CJSF is open to 7th and 8th grade students who meet the academic and citizenship requirements. 8th graders may apply during the Fall or Spring Semesters. Seventh graders are only eligible to apply during the Spring semester of 7th grade based on 7th grade FALL semester 20 week/final grades.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF CJSF MEMBERSHIP?

CJSF prepares the student to continue with their CSF membership in high school. Membership offers the opportunity to participate in activities which benefit the school, the community, and the student. It is a great way to start building your future college application by joining a statewide program. 

Those who achieve 3 semesters of membership by the end of their eighth-grade year will receive the following awards: 

• The official gold CJSF Honor Membership Pin awarded at 8th Grade Awards Night
• A certificate of recognition
• Special recognition during the 8th Grade Culmination
• A gold cord to wear during the 8th Grade Culmination

WHEN DO I APPLY?

Students must apply each semester. Complete and submit the CJSF Google Form by each deadline. For the 2026 Spring semester, applications must be submitted before 8 a.m. on Friday, October 2nd, 2026.  Incomplete applications and applications submitted after 8 a.m. will not be accepted. No exceptions.

CURRENT 8th Graders - Class of 2027 - There are three (3) semesters in which students may apply for membership.  See table below:

DO YOU ACCEPT LATE APPLICATIONS?

Unfortunately, no.  In the bylaws established by the state organization of CJSF, it specifically states that late applications may not be accepted. Chapters that do so can lose their membership. Submitting applications on time is part of being in CJSF.  Please plan ahead, stay informed, and pay attention to the school morning announcements and Schoology messages. Don't forget!

WHAT IF A STUDENT TRANSFERS FROM ANOTHER MIDDLE SCHOOL TO LAWRENCE IN 7TH OR 8TH GRADE?

A student who transfers to Lawrence Middle School from a school without a CJSF chapter and whose grades from the former school meet the requirements of Lawrence's CJSF chapter will be eligible to apply for membership in which he/she would have been qualified. Students will have fifteen school days from the student's first day of school at Lawrence to apply for membership.  If applying for more than one semester of membership, students must fill out separate applications.

If a student transfers from another school that uses a non-traditional grading system, students should fill out the NON-TRADITIONAL GRADING membership form.