Founded locally in 2020 by Yena Im and Matthew Chen, JEC San Francisco is the San Francisco branch of the national Junior Economic Club movement (originally founded in Chicago in 2014). The club is actively looking to increase its membership, so now is a good opportunity to get involved.

At its core, JEC SF is about preparing high school students to become effective, responsible leaders in both public and private sectors. Their website states they are “building a generation of effective leaders” by “allowing students to understand and solve real-world economic problems.” Of course, the emphasis is on high school students interested in economics, but students who have an interest in local civic and world issues, or financial markets, would also find a welcome home here.

JEC SF offers many opportunities:

• Unique exposure and networking: JEC SF brings in professionals and industry mentors with real experience. The events hosted by the club don’t just feel academic. They open doors to internships, connections, and exclusive opportunities.

• Hands-on Learning: Instead of just textbooks, you’ll have discussions, forums, and mentorship that sharpen your thinking around economics, business, and finance.

• Stay ahead of the curve: Economics and finance touch almost everything. From global markets to your personal finances. Getting a jump on those topics in high school is valuable.

Recent events organized by the club include the October 2025 Careers in Finance Panel hosted by Charles Schwab Corp. At Schwab’s San Francisco Headquarters, 30 high schoolers across the city got a rare real-world look into financial careers, with Q&A and networking. In November, the club organized a Fireside Chat with Alan Chung, CFA Portfolio Manager at Dodge & Cox, on what it takes to build a career in investment management and adapt to changing markets. These events show membership means access to professional mentors, networking opportunities, deep learning sessions, and exposure to real issues.

As a member, you’ll likely be involved in:

• Attending forums and speaker events, where you’ll hear from professionals.

• Participating in discussion groups and case studies about public/private sector economic issues.

• Working with mentors and possibly securing internships or leadership opportunities.

• Networking with other motivated high school students in the Bay Area.

If you have any interest in learning more, check out the Junior Economic Club of San Francisco website! Make sure to follow the JEC Instagram account as well for event updates and behind-the-scenes sneak peeks to more offerings like the upcoming JEC podcast initiative. Daniel Montejano, a senior at SHHS, currently serves as the Director of Strategic Initiatives for the club. I hold the position of Ambassador. Please feel free to contact either of us for any other questions.

If you are looking for a place where your voice can be heard, your ideas can be challenged, and your future can be shaped, then JEC SF is worth checking out. Whether you’re interested in business, economics, policy, or simply want to build leadership skills that matter, this is your chance. Don’t wait to start making an impact.