Junior American Citizens
Students have participated in the DAR Junior American Citizens program since 1901. By reaching out to students in grade K-12 across the United States, the program fosters the idea that the rights and responsibilities of citizenship can and should be taught from an early age.
Through JAC clubs and contests, the Junior American Citizens (JAC) program teaches America's schoolchildren the principals of democratic government, good citizenship, and appreciation of American heritage and history.
- JAC clubs are available to all students. The clubs are sponsored by a DAR chapter and meeting frequency varies by club. JAC clubs are open to all students in kindergarten through high school. Members participate in community service and patriotic activities while learning history and love of America.
- There are JAC contests offered in art, creative expression and community service for grades K-12. Entries are judged by grade on three levels (gifted, general and special needs) so that every child may enter the contest regardless of ability. Children from youth groups, as well as schools, may participate in the contests.
DAR Good Citizens
The DAR Good Citizens Award and Scholarship Contest, created in 1934, is intended to encourage and reward the qualities of good citizenship.
This award recognizes and rewards individuals who possess the qualities of dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism in their homes, schools, and communities. These students are selected by their teachers and peers because they demonstrate these qualities to an outstanding degree.
- This program is only open to high-school seniors whose schools are accredited by their state board of education.
- Only one student per year may be honored as a school's DAR Good Citizen.
- United States citizenship is not required.
- Additional rules and guidelines can be acquired by contacting your local DAR chapter.
Once a student is chosen as the DAR Good Citizen the student is invited to participate in the scholarship portion of the program. This consists of a personal statement and an essay. Student participation in the scholarship portion of the program is optional.
Click here for an informational PDF handout.
If you are an educator, please contact your local DAR chapter for additional information about DAR Good Citizens Award. If you are a parent or student, please contact your school for information.
Please note: The DAR Good Citizens Award and the Youth Citizenship Medal (formerly: Good Citizenship Medal) are two different programs. For information about the Youth Citizenship Medal, click here.
As many as 44 million adults in this country cannot read at levels necessary to succeed in today's society. The DAR has been working since 1989 to meet the needs of the increasing number of illiterate individuals. As a result of this mission, DAR members across the country are meeting the challenge and helping those with significant literacy needs to learn to read, to gain self respect and confidence, and to reach life goals that otherwise would not be obtainable.
Each year, DAR members accumulate numerous hours of volunteer service in the promotion of literacy among adults and children. DAR members teach English as a second language, donate books, help students prepare for their GED, tutor, mentor underserved students, read to the blind, record books on tape, distribute brochures on literacy, partner with literacy organizations, and raise funds for literacy. DAR members ask that mayors and local officials proclaim November 1 as National Family Literacy Day and encourage citizens to join DAR in becoming involved in literacy promotion.