CNMI students shine in Junior Statesmen program

The CNMI remains one of the top providers of top-notch student participants in the Junior Statesmen Summer School program in the United States, according to an official of the Junior Statesmen Foundation.

Karen B. Prosser, territorial recruiter of the Junior Statesmen Foundation, said in a presentation last Tuesday at the meeting of Rotary Club of Saipan that the CNMI has shown an excellent track record in providing highly qualified students who can avail of the U.S. Department of the Interior’s three full scholarships to the program.

She said that admission to the program has always been very competitive, based on student’s academic achievements, leadership and interest in politics and government, and that the CNMI has consistently provided several outstanding students from grades 10 to 11 to the summer school program.

Over 260 students from the CNMI have already attended the summer school program.

Prosser’s presentation was held at the Hyatt Regency Saipan. She is on Saipan for a seven-day recruitment drive and to encourage parents and students to apply for the three scholarship slots.

The scholarships will cover all tuition costs and round trip transportation to the summer school of the student’s choice. The monthlong sessions of the Junior Statesmen Summer School will be conducted at the prestigious university campuses of Stanford, Northwestern, Princeton, Yale and Georgetown.

The annual summer program will convene high-level speakers, providing students a chance to meet and question legislators, other elected officials, judges, reporters, political campaign consultants and others in the political arena. The program at Georgetown will enable students to meet speakers in the White House, Capitol, Supreme Court chambers, the Pentagon and the U.S. State Department.

Prosser met with Gov. Juan N. Babauta Tuesday afternoon right after her presentation at the Rotary Club meeting. Prosser will be visiting various high schools from Feb. 7 to 13 to discuss with school administrators and officials the opportunities she is bringing with her.

Prosser will also meet with the alumni of the Junior Statesmen scholarship program on Saturday, together with the prospective scholars with their parents and teachers to provide more information about the scholarship. The meeting will be held at the Northern Marianas College, Room D1, from 1pm to 4pm. (Marconi Calindas)