High School Democrats of America (HSDA) is a youth-based political organization that serves as the official high school caucus of Young Democrats of America. Across the country, the organization works at the national, state, and local levels to engage and mobilize members to be active in the political process.
Politically-inclined high schoolers are the future Democratic Party members and politicians. High School Democrats of America seeks to harness that potential and open young people to the vast world of political affairs. With our vast network of resources, chapters, and members, we provide a collective voice for the high school students in our country and open new doors for their future.
In the 2012 elections, for example, members made tens of thousands of calls for candidates on all levels, while participating in special projects, such as the National Day of Action, designed to provide opportunities tailored specifically to high school students. By giving students the opportunity to explore their civic responsibilities at a young age and by providing them an atmosphere in which to engage in meaningful discourse, we are engaging tomorrow's leaders today.
If you are interested in joining High School Democrats and starting a chapter, please contact us!
Interested in politics? Curious about the behind-the-scenes of a real campaign? If you will be in the Massachusetts area this summer, be sure to check out this summer internship opportunity with the Ed Markey for Senate campaign. Details attached below; send in your applications here! If you have questions, email Nivedita at nsankar@hsdems.org.
Hassan Haider ’13 is the National Chair of High School Democrats of America and a senior at Lenape High School in Medford. He attended the High School Leadership Academy (HSLA) in the summer of 2010. This year’s HSLA will be held from July 7-10 in DC; for more information, click here.
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After finishing my freshman year of high school, I knew I wanted to find a way to make the most of my summer. Unfortunately, there weren’t many options for politically active students like me. After asking around, a friend referred me to the HSLA, a new program that was starting that year. I filled the application and waited, hoping I would be chosen to spend a week in Washington, D.C.
After going through the HSLA, I can honestly say it was one of my best high school experiences. Looking back, not only as National Chair of the High School Democrats of America, but as a high school senior, as well, I realize that the HSLA taught me so many skills that are useful in politics and the classroom. Meeting with lawmakers, special interest groups, and learning about issue advocacy allowed me to gain true insight into the world of politics. The sessions focused on campaigning were especially interesting and informative: in the years since, I have been able to secure positions as field director, outreach manager, and as a volunteer coordinator. Campaigns I have worked on understood the value of the HSLA and valued it. We learned skills that normally take multiple campaigns to master. We learned how to lobby for issues with techniques that are normally reserved for the “pros”. The HSLA prepared us to take on the world of politics with a strong skillvset and the leadership abilities needed to be successful.
Whether its a night spent touring the monuments of our nation’s capital, or a morning meeting with Emily’s List, the HSLA is a packed experience that helps hone students into leaders. As I look back now, I wish I could go back and repeat my HSLA experience. There is no other program or way to spend your summer that can match what the HSLA will teach you, the people you will meet, and the connections you will forge.
Welcome to the new official home of the High School Democrats of America!
