Jefferson Educational Society

Jefferson Educational Society Educate and inform the whole mass of people … They are the only sure reliance for the preservation of our liberty. - Thomas Jefferson
(2)

The Jefferson Educational Society of Erie is a nonprofit institution founded to promote civic enlightenment and community progress for the Erie region through study, research, and discussion. The Society offers courses, seminars, and lectures that explain the central ideas that have formed the past, assist in exploring the present, and offer guidance to enhance the civic future of the Erie region.

As an Erie think tank, The Jefferson Educational Society promotes knowledge and civic pride through institutional and familial research, the publication of policy papers on public issues and the sponsorship of civic forums.

06/18/2026

Public safety is number-one on the minds of the vast majority of Americans – including residents of Erie, Pennsylvania. The East Avenue/Hess Avenue Neighborhood Watch was formed as a voluntary organization by Fr. Jerry S. Priscaro and neighborhood residents committed to the cause of serving as an interactive reporting agency to a variety of law enforcement, government and nonprofit officials and agencies on the federal, state, and local levels. Their most important goal, as Fr. Priscaro, will explain, "has been to dedicate our time, energy, and efforts to the advancement of causes related to helping ensure the health, safety, welfare, environment, and positive quality of life for neighborhood residents, businesses, and organizations. The group's efforts have had a positive impact for nearly 15 years. Our members are the eyes and ears of the neighborhood seeking to create a better neighborhood environment."

JES Satellite Programming is sponsored by Erie Insurance.

DON'T FORGET!⭐Join our friends from the Erie County Office of Drug and Alcohol Abuse and The Regional Recovery Hub TOMOR...
06/17/2026

DON'T FORGET!⭐

Join our friends from the Erie County Office of Drug and Alcohol Abuse and The Regional Recovery Hub TOMORROW to learn about Building Recovery Capital and Strengthening Pathways to Lasting Recovery with this jam packed panel of local experts and providers.

📍JES - 3207 State Street, Erie, PA
📅Thursday, June 18
⌚9AM - Noon
💵FREE - all are welcome!

This Certified Recovery Specialist-Led Conversation is FREE and open to the public. For more information, visit their website at RecovERIEpa.org

As our 2026 JES Civic Leadership Academy cohort travels back to Erie this evening, we are reminded of just how far our l...
06/16/2026

As our 2026 JES Civic Leadership Academy cohort travels back to Erie this evening, we are reminded of just how far our locally elected State leaders travel to represent us in Harrisburg. The furthest of any in the Commonwealth.💙

Though a lighter day than Monday, our cohort still gained many valuable insights before heading home. This morning they met with Secretary of Policy and Planning Akbar Hossain, representatives from Senator Laughlin’s office, and the Chairman of the Communications and Technology Committee Representative Joe Ciresi to discuss current legislation regarding Artificial Intelligence.

This is only the beginning for our newest cohort!

Now (after a restful bus ride home) they will be tasked with traveling throughout Erie County together to gather information about and from each of our municipalities to be able to create their group action project. Then they will present their research and recommendations on the future implications of AI in Erie County.

We know this is a huge topic to take on and just like every cohort before them (11 others!) we know they are a highly capable, intelligent, and inspiring group of emerging changemakers who will make a difference in our community.

We look forward to working and learning alongside them as they continue on this exciting journey together.🌟

06/15/2026

AI-driven data centers are multiplying, growing exponentially larger, and moving toward the Great Lakes to take advantage of a perceived abundance of fresh water. But at what cost? Some critics argue that data centers could cost Lake Erie as much as three feet of surface water over the next few years. Others argue that there will be no tangible impact. Even if the truth lies somewhere between the extreme predictions, there could be significant issues. Join JES Scholar-in-Residence Dr. David Frew as he discusses the extraordinary growth of that infant industry and its enormous need for cooling water, highlighting the current initiative led by retired Pittsburgh Steeler running back, Rocky Bleir, to bring a major data center to Erie.

Our 2026 JES Civic Leadership Academy has successfully arrived and started to leave their mark on Harrisburg!🌟This year’...
06/15/2026

Our 2026 JES Civic Leadership Academy has successfully arrived and started to leave their mark on Harrisburg!🌟

This year’s cohort has had a full day meeting with state elected leaders from the Superior Court, to the House of Representatives, to the State Treasurer, and the Governor. They also did a deep dive on their topic of Artificial Intelligence with folks from the Joint State Government Commission.

To say they’re making the most of their time across the state is putting it lightly. We are so proud to introduce another great group of emerging Erie leaders to our state capitol and looking forward to all that is still to come for each of them throughout this experience.

Stay tuned for much more!🌟

Leadership isn’t just a title - it’s a practice.Join us at Your Daily Serving for a thought-provoking discussion with Dr...
06/12/2026

Leadership isn’t just a title - it’s a practice.

Join us at Your Daily Serving for a thought-provoking discussion with Dr. Andrew Roth and Chloe Forbes on his latest book, 'How to Be a Highly Effective Leader: A Primer.'

This engaging session is in partnership with The Corry Emerging Leaders Fund and will explore what it really takes to lead with clarity, purpose, and impact in today’s world. Whether you're in the early stages of your career or looking to be a better mentor to the next generation, this one is for you!

📅Tuesday, June 16
📍Your Daily Serving - 425 Center St, Corry
⌚Mixer starts at 5pm, Discussion starts at 6pm
📕Book sale and signing to follow!
⭐Register for free: jeserie.org/events/details/corry-satellite-how-to-be-a-highly-effective-leader-a-primer-a-discussion-of-andrew-roths-latest-book

06/11/2026

The Pardon Project of Erie helps people wipe their records clean of past crimes for which they have completed their sentences. This can help people find better jobs and forgiveness from society and within themselves. Pardon coaches Dr. Parris Baker, Antonio Howard, and Diane Chido will share, along with Ms. Margaret Simms, the long and arduous journey the four have taken for Ms. Margaret to obtain her pardon so the community can learn how difficult this process can be and how they can help others who are so deserving.

JES Satellite Programming is sponsored by Erie Insurance.

Join our friends from the Erie County Office of Drug and Alcohol Abuse and The Regional Recovery Hub next Thursday at th...
06/11/2026

Join our friends from the Erie County Office of Drug and Alcohol Abuse and The Regional Recovery Hub next Thursday at the JES to learn about Building Recovery Capital and Strengthening Pathways to Lasting Recovery.

📍JES - 3207 State Street, Erie, PA
📅Thursday, June 18
⌚9AM - Noon
💵FREE - all are welcome!

This Certified Recovery Specialist-Led Conversation is FREE and open to the public. For more information, visit their website at RecovERIEpa.org

We join the Erie community in mourning the loss of Corrine (Gordon) Halperin Egan, a remarkable civic leader, advocate, ...
06/10/2026

We join the Erie community in mourning the loss of Corrine (Gordon) Halperin Egan, a remarkable civic leader, advocate, educator, and friend.

Corrine dedicated her life to strengthening our community through service, leadership, and a steadfast belief in the power of education. During her years with the JES, she created the Remarkable Women program, facilitated educational workshops, and played a leading role in planning Erie’s Perry 200 Celebration. Her impact extended far beyond any single organization, touching generations of Erie residents through her work on behalf of women, children, volunteers, and countless community initiatives.

Her curiosity, generosity, and commitment to civic engagement embodied the values we strive to uphold every day. We are grateful for her contributions to the JES and to the Erie region she loved so deeply.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Corrine’s family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know her. May her memory continue to inspire us to serve our community with the same passion, grace, and purpose that she demonstrated throughout her life.

We encourage you to read her obituary to get a glimpse of the remarkable woman she was. goerie.com/obituaries/psom1493355

The Pardon Project of Erie helps people wipe their records clean of past crimes for which they have completed their sent...
06/10/2026

The Pardon Project of Erie helps people wipe their records clean of past crimes for which they have completed their sentences. This can help people find better jobs and forgiveness from society and within themselves.

Pardon coaches Dr. Parris Baker, Antonio Howard, and Diane Chido will share, along with Ms. Margaret Simms, the long and arduous journey the four have taken for Ms. Margaret to obtain her pardon so the community can learn how difficult this process can be and how they can help others who are so deserving.

Join us at Erie Center for Arts & Technology on Thursday for this event by registering on our website: jeserie.org/events

Learn more about Ms. Margaret Simms' story before going to the ECAT event on Thursday by reading our latest on Substack: jespublications.substack.com/p/resolution-restitution-and-redemption

Address

3207 State St
Erie, PA
16508

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

(814) 459-8000

Website

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