Draft:High School Republican National Federation

The High School Republican National Federation, commonly referred to as the High School Republicans or HSReps, is a 501(c)(4) organization for members of the Republican Party of the United States who are current high school students, or between the ages of 13 and 18.

History
The High School Republican National Federation was established as a youth-led organization in April 2022 to provide greater coordination and support for local high school Republican groups. It was founded through a convention of state federations, of which were existing auxiliaries of their respective state parties. Their mission statement is to “fight the ideological battle in schools, work hard to contact voters to elect republicans, and organize for a strong future.” Although some HSReps chapters are styled as ‘Teen Republicans,’ they still operate under the National Federation.

Organization
The High School Republican National Federation has state and local chapters nationwide. The largest chapters are in New Jersey, Nebraska and North Carolina. They have 10,000 active members. The national organization presides over High School Republicans as a whole. It is led by the National Board, which consists of a Chairman, Co-Chairman, Regional Vice Chairmen, and Secretary, along with appointed directors. The National Board is responsible for overseeing and growing the organization to promote Republican causes. Leadership also includes a National Committee consisting of representatives from each individual state.

Local chapters at high schools and counties work at a grassroots level to rally young people behind causes. Local High School Republican chapters have organized candidate forums, registered voters, and helped to elect Republicans in their own communities.

Involvement
During election season, High School Republicans use door-to-door canvassing, phone banking, and word of mouth to reach voters on behalf of Republican campaigns. These students have assisted on several campaigns, including those for Congressman Don Bacon, Heidi Ganahl , and several others.

High School Republicans are also engaging in legislative activism in their state chapters. The New Jersey High School Republicans have lobbied for legislation to increase youth civic engagement, namely NJ1271, a bill that would give high school students specific excused absences for civic engagement.