California Junior Scholarship Federation

CALIFORNIA JUNIOR SCHOLARSHIP FEDERATION (CJSF) 

What is CJSF? 

The purpose of the California Junior Scholarship Federation (a state-wide organization of over 600 chapters) is to foster high standards of scholarship, service, and citizenship on the part of students of California’s public and private junior high and middle schools.  

How do students earn membership? 

Submit a completed application to Mrs. Schweers in D-5. Membership is based on grades earned during the preceding trimester/semester. Students must reapply (fill out the form with their classes and grades) every trimester/semester. Qualifying grades combined with required service hours are necessary for membership. 

Grade Requirement Guidelines 

Each trimester/semester grade points are calculated to determine membership. Students must have twice the number of points as academic subjects.  For example, students enrolled in 4 academic subjects must have 8 points to qualify.  The following are academic subjects: Language Arts, Social Studies, Math, and Science. PE and elective courses do NOT qualify as an academic subject for the purposes of the application process. 

Points are awarded as follows: 

A grade of “A” = 3 CJSF points 

A grade of “B” = 1 CJSF point 

A grade of “C” = 0 CJSF points 

A grade of “D” or “F” = Disqualifying factors 

Honor Members 

An honored member is a student who has qualified for membership in at least five (5) trimesters or three (3) semesters in 7th and 8th grades. Honor members will receive a CJSF gold seal on their middle school certificate, a CJSF certificate, and a gold pin during the promotion ceremony. 

Grade Calculation Example:

Example #1:                                                Example #2 

Course - Grade                                                   Course - Grade

Language Arts - A = 3pts.                                    Language Arts - B = 1pt. 

Social Studies - C = 0 pts.                                    Social Studies - A = 3pts. 

Math - B = 1pt.                                                       Math - A = 3pts. 

Science - A = 3 pts.                                               Science - B = 1pt. 

Total:  7 pts. = does NOT qualify                     Total:  8pts. = DOES qualify (total needed 8pts.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can join CJSF? 

Any student with high grades in academic subjects should apply. Eligibility requirements are explained on the application. Primarily “A” and “B” grades count toward CJSF points. Honors math class receives one extra point. Final grades of “D” or “F” and/or marks of "N" or “U” in citizenship in any class disqualify the student from that trimester.  Progress report grades are not used for eligibility, only final trimester grades.

Is membership automatic? 

No, a student who qualifies must apply each trimester or semester.

What constitutes "Proof of Grades"? 

Proof of grades can be any of the following: copies or originals of report cards, grade printouts from Q, copies or originals of transcripts. Please note that the main office will not print out grades or transcripts for students; this must be done at home. 

What is the service requirement?

School-based community service is preferred. Students must perform a minimum of three hours (3) of community service per trimester or semester. One (1) of the three (3) required hours must be completed on campus. This must be volunteer work; a grade or money cannot be received for this service. For verification of campus service, you must attach an LPSSA community service log stating the following: the date the service was provided, description of service, hours completed, name, and signature of the contact person. (Being a member of ASB does not count for service hours unless the service was done outside of advisory period or class time.) Outside community service must be approved in advance. Please see Mrs. Schweers in D-5 for preauthorization of outside service. 

What are school-based service opportunities? 

Help teachers or staff before or after school in a classroom or on campus

What are the membership dues? 

For each school year students are asked to pay $5.00 in membership dues. This money is used to pay for the CJSF national membership and other CJSF items. Please do not attach cash to applications; please pay by check payable to LPSSA ASB with your application (along with proof of grades and proof of service hours). For extenuating circumstances regarding inability to pay membership dues, please see Mrs. Schweers. 

Do members receive anything, and how do you become an honor member?

Honor Members receive a gold seal on their diploma and a gold pin. To be an Honor Member a student must be a member for a minimum of five (5) out of the six (6) trimesters of 7th and 8th grade. 

What is the benefit of being in CJSF? 

In addition to the recognition certificates and pins, CJSF members have the pride and recognition for being a part of this prestigious organization. 

Does being a member of CJSF automatically qualify a student for CSF? 

No, membership in CJSF does not automatically qualify a student for membership in CSF in high school. After each semester or trimester in high school, students must apply and qualify based on the CSF requirements.  In high school, there are also special awards given at graduation for CSF members. 

Why are 6th-graders not allowed to apply for CJSF? 

Currently, CJSF does not recognize 6th-graders as being eligible for CJSF membership. Honor roll will be available at the end of each grading period to recognize all grade levels in middle school.

Application Form:  physical copy available in my classroom - digital copy posted in Google Classroom

Service Hours Form:  physical copy available in my classroom - digital copy posted in Google Classroom 

Community Service Opportunities

                 Camarillo Library (805) 388-5222   Surfrider Foundation (https://ventura.surfrider.org/)  

  Camarillo Animal Shelter (13 years old)  (805) 388-4341 Coastal Cleanup in Ventura (www.vccoastcleanup.org)

Pleasant Valley Recreation & Park District (805) 482-1996     Food Share in Ventura (https://foodshare.com/)