Citizenship Week is a call to action for students to recognize and appreciate their roles as community members with fundamental rights, critical responsibilities and the capacity to bring about meaningful change. With guest speakers and school-wide activities that bring together students of all ages, the school celebrates the achievements of engaged citizens of the past and commits to working and achieving together as engaged citizens of the future.

One of the premier mock trial programs in California, Torrey Mock Trial gives students the opportunity to develop their critical thinking and public speaking skills while participating on a team that students routinely describe as feeling “like a family.”  Students take on the roles of attorneys and witnesses in a simulated criminal trial and prepare a series of arguments and compelling performances. The team has competed in events that include the NorCal Invitational Mock Trial Tournament and the San Diego County Mock Trial Competition.

Model United Nations (MUN) is an educational simulation in which students learn about diplomacy, international relations and the United Nations. Students worldwide come together to represent different nations, NGOs and individuals, meeting to discuss and create solutions to real and hypothetical world issues. The award-winning team has participated in local and global conferences hosted by the International School of Panama, Berkeley Model United Nations, Yale Model United Nations, and The Hague International Model United Nations (most prestigious MUN conference in the world; resolutions adopted by students are reviewed by the United Nations). In 2020, LJCDS partnered with Triton MUN of The Preuss School to host its inaugural conference.

Politifest is an annual public affairs summit produced by Voice of San Diego that focuses on issues affecting San Diego communities. The annual event features a robust schedule of debates, panels and one-on-one interviews with experts. It provides a platform for residents to raise their voices, ask tough questions and delve into important issues. LJCDS students have served as event volunteers and workshop speakers.  

The San Diego Diplomacy Council (SDDC) creates professional, cultural and educational experiences that connect people and organizations, driving positive changes in the community and the world. LJCDS has partnered with SDDC to provide global education opportunities to the LJCDS community. The school also serves as a community partner for SDDC summits (e.g., Innovation in the Cali Baja Region and Beyond) and events (e.g., Global Social Hour). In 2020, SDDC and LJCDS co-created the Global Leadership Youth Program.

Inspired by the international organization, The Human Library builds a positive framework for conversations that can challenge stereotypes and prejudices through dialogue. LJCDS invites a diversity of guests who are featured as “books.” Readers spend 20 minutes learning their story and engaging in conversation. Books have included a Burmese refugee, rabbi, activist and veteran, radio show producer, assault survivor, chief of security, millennial entrepreneur, adventure journalist, an award-winning podcast host and more.