The Japan in the Schools program is a unique program that brings Japanese education into classrooms in Western PA. A wide variety of topics are covered in this once a year visits to local school. Some topics include Japan today, Japanese history, language, culture, origami and more. Volunteers of the Japan in the Schools (JIS) program respond to outreach requests from elementary, middle and secondary schools, libraries and other community partners. Authentic Japanese materials are used as teaching aids and this unique experience broadens a student’s view of the world and the cultures in it. Since its launch in 1997, requests for outreach programming have steadily increased.

Read our educational brochure here.

Request a visit!

The JIS reaches students all over western PA in a variety of ways. Requesting a school visit is easy! Fill out this simple request form online and Katsuko Shellhammer, educational outreach coordinator, will coordinate the details of the visit.

Give us your feedback!

If you are a teacher who has already had a visit to your school, please fill out this brief teacher evaluation form.

The students in the photo above are learning about Sakura trees and their importance to Japanese culture.

Volunteer for the JIS

Volunteers are the most essential part of the JIS. Without the help of dedicated and passionate volunteers, this program would not exist. All ages and nationalities are welcomed. The only requirement is a passion for Japan! Click here to learn more about volunteering.

Current Volunteers

Your feedback is very important to us. Please take a few moments to fill out the JIS volunteer evaluation form.