Program Referral Guide

JAMUN School Programs

FREE, standards-aligned academic competition programs for grades 5-8

The Junior Assembly of the Model United Nations is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing affordable Model UN, Mock Trial, and Mathletes programs. 100% youth-led. 500+ students impacted across 30+ schools.

Model UN

Academic CompetitionGrades 5-8In-PersonTeam Size: UnlimitedWeekly + Conferences

Program Description

Model United Nations (MUN) is an educational simulation where students role-play as delegates to the United Nations. Each student represents a country and must research that nation's positions on global issues, write formal position papers, deliver speeches, negotiate with other delegates in structured caucuses, and collaboratively draft resolutions. MUN develops diplomatic skills, public speaking, persuasive writing, critical thinking, and global awareness. JAMUN is looking for schools that want to bring this transformative program to their students!

Program Objectives & What Students Do

  • Research assigned countries' history, politics, economy, and foreign policy using multiple sources
  • Write position papers supporting a country's stance with evidence and counterarguments
  • Deliver formal opening speeches and points of information before committees
  • Negotiate and debate in moderated and unmoderated caucuses using parliamentary procedure
  • Draft, amend, and vote on resolutions addressing global challenges
  • Attend low-cost conferences and compete for Best Delegate, Outstanding Delegate, and Honorable Mention awards
  • Build coalitions across countries with differing perspectives to find compromise solutions

ISBE Learning Standards & CPS Requirements

StandardConnection to Program
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.6-8.1
Argument Writing
Position papers require supporting claims with evidence and addressing counterarguments
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.6-8.7
Research to Build Knowledge
Country research using multiple sources on history, politics, economy, and foreign policy
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.6-8.1
Collaborative Discussion
Committee caucuses: building on others' ideas, responding with evidence, modifying views
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.6-8.4
Presenting Claims & Findings
Opening speeches, points of information, formal debate using evidence and reasoning
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.6-8.6
Analyzing Point of View
Understanding how different countries frame the same global issue differently
SS.IS.1.6-8 / SS.IS.3.6-8
Social Science Inquiry
Formulating inquiry questions, finding diverse sources, critiquing arguments
SS.CV.3.6-8 / SS.CV.4.6-8
Civics — Governance & Policy
Understanding international institutions, diplomacy, and collaborative policy development
IL SEL Goal 2, Standards A-D
Social-Emotional Learning
Perspective-taking (representing another nation), conflict resolution, ethical decision-making

School Requirements

Schools must identify a faculty advisor or contact person who coordinates the program. This includes recruiting students, securing a meeting space for practice sessions, communicating with JAMUN staff to schedule conferences, and supporting student attendance at events. Schools should hold a minimum of three practice sessions (45 minutes to one hour each) in advance of each conference so students are prepared for committee. The contact person should meet with JAMUN staff at least twice before the season begins and be responsive to email for smooth coordination. Schools should encourage participation from diverse student groups — no prior experience or academic prerequisites are required.

Scheduling & Important Dates

JAMUN holds one conference in the fall and one in the spring. Our next conference will be April 25 and 26. Schools should express interest by August to secure spots for the fall conference. JAMUN will confirm scheduling 4-6 weeks prior to each conference. Practice sessions should begin well in advance — we recommend at least three sessions before each conference. Schools interested in spring-only participation should reach out by December.

Financial Information

Core program resources, training materials, and weekly session support are provided at no cost. Conference registration fees are low-cost, typically $15-25 per student. Grants are available covering up to 100% of conference costs including registration, travel, and materials for qualifying students. There is no application fee for grants, and decisions are returned within 2-3 weeks.

What JAMUN Provides

  • Comprehensive delegate training materials (parliamentary procedure, position paper guides, speech frameworks)
  • Volunteer mentors to lead weekly practice sessions at your school
  • Conference registration coordination and logistical support
  • Background guides and country research resources for each committee
  • Grant application assistance covering up to 100% of conference costs
  • Ongoing support: a JAMUN staff member is available throughout the season to ensure your program runs smoothly

Questions? Contact Us

For questions about any program, scheduling, or partnership opportunities, contact us at [email protected]