The National Junior Classical League (NJCL) was founded in 1936 with a mission to promote the study of Latin, Greek, and classical culture among high school and middle school students in the United States. Over the decades, it has grown into one of the largest academic organizations of its kind, uniting thousands of students and educators passionate about the legacy of ancient civilizations. The NJCL fosters a sense of community and intellectual curiosity through local, regional, and national events, as well as competitive opportunities.

The NJCL Convention is an annual hallmark event that began in 1954, bringing together students from across the United States to celebrate their shared love for the classics. This in-person gathering has become a vibrant tradition, offering academic competitions, creative showcases, and immersive workshops that highlight the relevance of classical studies in modern times. Participants build lifelong friendships and compete for prestigious awards while deepening their understanding of ancient cultures.

Recognizing the need for broader accessibility, the NJCL International Convention was established in 2022 by Alex (Hayoung) Jung of Seoul Foreign School. This virtual extension of the NJCL Convention was created to address the financial and geographic barriers faced by international students who wish to engage with classical studies. The inaugural event brought together a global community of learners, educators, and enthusiasts, creating an inclusive platform where students worldwide could compete, learn, and connect.

“Tempus Fugit”
(1st NJCL International Convention; July 20-21, 2022)

“Ad Astra Per Aspera”
(2nd NJCL International Convention; July 19-20, 2023)

“Exegi monumentum aere perenniuss”
(4th NJCL International Convention; October 5, 2025 )

“Sapere Aude”
(3rd NJCL International Convention; July 16-18, 2024)

Archive

    • Total Hours of Activities Offered (2022–2024): 250+ hours

    • Average Time Spent by Participants in the Convention: 15 hours over 4 days

    • Team-Based Contest Participation Rate: 85%

    • Individual Contest Participation Rate: 90%

    • Creative Submissions Growth (2022–2024): 200% (from 100 submissions in 2022 to 300 in 2024)

    • Total Contests Held (2022–2024): 30+

      • Most Popular Contest: Certamen Trivia Game (participated in by 80% of attendees).

    • Workshops Offered: 20+ unique topics.

      • Most Popular Workshop: “Media Representations of Ancient Rome & Greece”

    • Creative Submissions Received (2024): 300+ digital artworks, posters, and dramatic interpretations.

    • Discord Engagement: 95% of participants engaged in themed networking channels.

    • Yearly Growth in Participation: 50% (from 300 in 2022 to 700 in 2024).

    • Scholarships Awarded Yearly:

      • 2022: $15,000

      • 2023: $25,000

      • 2024: $30,000

    • Return Rate of Participants (attending more than one convention): 25%

    • New Participants Attending Offline NJCL Convention (via scholarships): 50+ annually

  • Total Guest Speakers Featured: 50+

    • University Professors: 35 (representing top institutions globally, including Harvard, Oxford, and Seoul National University).

    • Industry Professionals: 10 (from fields such as museum curation, archaeology, publishing, and education).

    • Creative Artists: 5 (including classical illustrators, playwrights, and modern mythological adaptation creators).

  • Interest in Classics:

    • 40% of scholarship recipients pursued classical studies or related fields (e.g., history, archaeology, linguistics) in higher education.

    • Total Participants (2022–2024): 1,500+

    • Countries Represented: 35+

    • Top Five Countries by Participation:

      • United States (40%)

      • South Korea (15%)

      • Canada (10%)

      • Germany (7%)

      • India (5%)

    • Fully Funded Participants (2022–2024): 225

    • Age Range: 13–18 (primarily high school students)

    • First-Time Participants Each Year: 70%

    • Total Scholarships Awarded (2022–2024): $75,000

    • Fully Funded Participation Opportunities Provided: 225 students

    • Average Scholarship Amount per Participant: $333

    • Total Funds Raised from University Grants and Individual Donations: $50,000

    • Participants Supported by External University Grants (2024): 100+

    • Total Scholarship Recipients Attending Offline NJCL Convention: 150+

    • Top Awards Won by International Convention Alumni at NJCL Offline:

      • 10+ first-place finishes in academic contests (e.g., Latin Grammar, Mythology Challenge).

      • 15+ top-three finishes in creative contests (e.g., Dramatic Interpretations, Poster Design).

    • Certamen Trivia Success:

      • 5 international alumni teams reached the finals at the offline NJCL Convention.

      • 2 teams won first place in their divisions (2023, 2024).

    • Creative Contest Recognition:

      • 20+ alumni received special mentions or awards for artwork, photography, and performances.

      • 5 participants from the international convention won the “Best Creative Interpretation” award.

  • Total University Grant Contributions (2022–2024): $25,000

    • 2022: $5,000 (from 3 universities)

    • 2023: $8,000 (from 5 universities)

    • 2024: $12,000 (from 8 universities)