What is the National Junior Honor Society at CAVA?

Student success goes beyond the classroom at California Virtual Academies (CAVA). One of the most impactful opportunities for middle school students is joining the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS), a prestigious national organization that recognizes academic achievement while encouraging leadership, service, character, and citizenship.

CAVA’s NJHS chapter is open to qualified students in grades 6 through 8, offering a unique way for online learners to connect, contribute to their communities, and grow into responsible, civically engaged young leaders.

What Does NJHS Stand For?

NJHS is guided by five pillars that shape the experience: scholarship, service, leadership, character, and citizenship. These values are reflected in every part of the program, from the rigorous selection process to the wide variety of community service projects students take on throughout the year.

Membership is more than an honor—it’s a responsibility and an opportunity to make a real difference.

Who Can Join?

Students are invited to apply for NJHS based on academic performance, specifically maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.5 and teacher recommendation. 6th graders and new students to CAVA will be invited to participate for the Spring Semester, based on the academic performance, and teacher recommendation from the Fall Semester. After being identified as eligible, students complete an interest survey, respond to short essay questions, and secure teacher recommendations to be considered for membership.

The program typically includes around 300 to 390 middle school students each year, many of whom are highly motivated, goal-oriented learners eager to expand their experience and prepare for future success.

Service Projects—Online and Offline

One of the unique aspects of NJHS at CAVA is how students participate in service projects in both virtual and local settings. While traditional service opportunities like beach cleanups and volunteering at community centers are common, many students also engage in creative virtual service activities, such as:

· Writing letters to veterans or senior citizens

· Transcribing historical documents for the Library of Congress

· Tutoring classmates

· Creating handmade crafts like scarves for homeless shelters or caps for children with cancer

· Supporting neighbors with tasks like dog walking or helping take out trash

Students are encouraged to find causes they care about and create their own service opportunities, which helps build initiative and ownership.

Building Leadership and Lifelong Skills

In addition to service, NJHS fosters leadership and collaboration. Students meet monthly to discuss their progress and submit service logs. While the annual service goal is 20 hours, the focus isn’t just on checking a box, it’s about building a mindset of civic awareness and consistent community engagement.

The skills students develop through NJHS, including communication, responsibility, and critical thinking, prepare them for high school and beyond. NJHS also opens the door to exclusive scholarship opportunities and national recognition.

Why NJHS at a Virtual School?

CAVA’s NJHS chapter gives online students the chance to experience the same level of community, leadership, and purpose as students in brick-and-mortar schools. Even in a virtual setting, NJHS members regularly collaborate, support one another, and grow as leaders together.

The flexibility of online learning allows students to think creatively about how they serve their communities, while still receiving the same level of structure, mentorship, and recognition that NJHS offers nationwide.

Learn More

Students committed to academic excellence and who want to grow as a leader and community member may be a perfect fit for NJHS. Reach out to us to learn more about how to get involved.

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