JACK (Junior Associates with a Confidence in KIP)
Background
The KIP High School Program was launched in response to feedback from university students and working professionals who, after participating in KIP discussions, often said, “I wish I had done this when I was younger”.
Purpose
The goal of this program is to cultivate “global and confident juniors who know their own country” through discussions with senior KIP members, both university students and professionals. By attending forums and engaging in preparatory study sessions, participants learn about Japan from various perspectives, and develop their ability to think critically and discuss logically. They also gain practical experience in articulating their opinions logically, which is a skill especially valuable for students who wish to study abroad.
Characteristics
The program’s greatest feature is that high school students have the rare opportunity to engage in discussions alongside university students and professionals, something not easily found in ordinary environments.
Each high school participant is required to share their opinion at least once per session, ensuring active participation. While the program includes lectures, its distinctive feature is to output, developing the ability to express opinions clearly and logically, and to communicate effectively in different settings through experiential learning.
For high school students considering studying abroad, this program offers early exposure to diverse perspectives through interaction with university students and professionals, as well as participation in forums covering a wide range of interdisciplinary topics. It also serves as a valuable opportunity to gain insights and information useful for future academic and career planning.
Activities
- Monthly forums.
- Shiwasukai (end-of-year) event.
- Two annual online discussion sessions led by high school members (themes decided by the students)
Membership Information
Activity Days: Generally Saturdays and Sundays (to accommodate working professionals and students)
Location: International House of Japan (https://ihj.global/) and online (for members living outside the Tokyo area)
Annual Fee: ¥5,000 (Third-year high school students may join for either the first or second half of the year, but the fee remains the same)
