Programs
The Jefferson Educational Society offers different programs during the Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall terms. Some of the past and current programs include the Global Summit, Metro 100, Brock Institute Lectures, Community Conversations, Jefferson Satellite programs, and other special programs.
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Publications
The JES, it's writers, researchers, and Scholars-in-Residence publish various books, essays, journals, quick timely reads, book-notes, and reports about a wide range of topics. In 2022, the writers produced a record year, creating more than 140 publications.
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Membership
By becoming a member of the Jefferson, you will have access to benefits including: priority registration of events; advance notice of programs and lectures; an increased number of free events available to members; invitations to special member events; and subscriptions to JES publications.
Become a MemberExploring the Past and Present of Gerrymandering: How It's Done, Why It's Done, and What's Happening Now
Robert Speel, Ph.D. Dr. Robert Speel, Associate Professor of Political Science at Penn State Behrend, will discuss the origins of gerrymandering in the United States, why it's become mor... Read More »Harborcreek Satellite: The Rise of Authoritarianism: What Failed Democratization Stands to Teach the US, Other Democracies
Lena Surzhko-Harned, Ph.D. Authoritarianism is on the rise worldwide, while at the same time we are witness a steady decline in democracy globally. Drawing from her five-part essay series publ... Read More »Addressing Population Decline in Erie County, Pennsylvania: What Are the Trends, Why It Matters, and What to Do About It
JCLA 2025 Cohort The 2025 cohort of JES Civic Leadership Academy assessed population decline in Erie County, Pennsylvania – assessing trends, exploring why it matters, and proposing ... Read More »Advancing Community Progress in Erie, Pennsylvania
The Jefferson Educational Society (JES) of Erie is a nonprofit institution where conversations commence and ideas take action. We were founded to promote civic enlightenment and community progress for the Erie Region through the study, research, and discussion of those ideas and events that have influenced the human condition. The Society offers courses, seminars, and lectures which explain the central ideas that have formed the past, assist in exploring the present, and offer guidance to enhance the civic future of the Erie Region.
JES honors American heritage, discusses local progress through winter programming
JES to host President Barack Obama at Global Su...
Dr. Robert Garland to return for second residency
Football powerhouse Jim Kelly joins JES Global ...
