ST LOUIS JAYCEE FOUNDATION INC

110+ Years of Impact

From its humble beginnings as a St. Louis dance club, the Jaycees has grown from one young man's vision to an international movement offering young people the opportunity for hands-on leadership training and experience in local, state, national and global development.

A young man called Henry Giessenbier founded JCI in St. Louis in 1915. Henry had a dream that through civic action young people could become active citizens. That vision became a reality on October 13, 1915. The group quickly became involved in St. Louis civic affairs and won respect from authorities for efficiently handling tasks assigned them.

Over its 110 year history the St. Louis Jaycees and its counterparts around the world have been responsible for such achievements as:

• Instituting safe driving practices including signage, road safety laws, driving schools and advocated seat belts.
• Fighting for the rights of all marginalized citizens including children, the disabled, women and impoverished through advocacy, local programs and projects for senior centers, handicapped friendly camps and more.
• Influenced the urban development of the St. Louis community to ensure sustainable infrastructure and a welcoming community environment,
• Developed such leaders as Bill Clinton, George Bush, Bill Gates, and former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan.