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.
Join Us at an Event
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.
Enjoy a Reading
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 MemberThe First Hundred Days: The State of the City
Daria Devlin M.Ed. On Nov. 4, 2025, Daria Devlin was elected as the 49th Mayor of Erie, Pennsylvania. A lifelong Erie resident, Devlin prior served as an elected member of the Erie Schoo... Read More »Seeing Signs of Love and Opportunity in Times of Challenge: The Story of Hope and 'The Bright Red Little Cardinal'
Nicholas Sorensen Nick Sorensen was born and raised in Erie, Pennsylvania. Growing up with a form of dwarfism called Hypochondroplasia gave him a unique perspective on life. Now 31 year... Read More »VIRTUAL - Local Leaders Build Engaged Citizenry and Resilient Democracies
Transforming Industrial Heartlands Initiative Across North America and Europe, anti-democratic leaders and movements are pushing to bend or break rights, rules, and freedoms-respecting societies. But as Heartl... 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 ...
