The NJCL International Online Convention was founded in 2022 by Alex (Hayoung) Jung to reimagine what it means to belong in the world of Classics. Recognizing that not every student can attend the in-person National Junior Classical League convention due to geographic, financial, or institutional barriers, he envisioned a student-led, globally accessible alternative—one that would uphold the academic rigor, creativity, and community spirit of NJCL while reaching students across continents. What began as a small initiative has since grown into an officially recognized international extension of the National Junior Classical League, welcoming participants from over ten countries and every level of Latin and Greek study.

Entirely organized by a team of high school students from around the world, the convention features three days of dynamic programming: academic testing, Certamen, lectures from leading Classics professors, creative showcases, international roundtables, and collaborative workshops. Students design every detail—from writing exams and moderating discussions to curating artistic submissions and coordinating with scholars. At its core, the convention is committed to intellectual depth, cultural inclusivity, and the belief that the Classical world still speaks powerfully to our own.

Our mission is to make the transformative experience of NJCL available to every student, regardless of where they live or what resources they have. We aim to expand access to high-quality Classics education, foster global dialogue around ancient texts and ideas, and empower young people to lead with curiosity, empathy, and scholarship.