Philanthropist William Ruben George founded George Junior Republic in 1909 as a private, nonprofit residential treatment community for disadvantaged youth. The organization was, and continues to be, driven by his dream of creating an environment where youth would receive the guidance, the education and the skills needed to become productive citizens in a democratic society.

For many years, George Junior Republic operated according to the standards of the day, helping boys mature into responsible young men. However, as society evolved, it became clear the methods employed were not the most effective ways to reach youth. New, more positive behavioral modification concepts
were studied, and in 1979. a treatment model that included husband-and-wife counselor/parents was introduced.

The older three-story homes that formerly housed between fifty and sixty boys were razed and were replaced by ranch-style homes, where the counselor/parents live with the youth. Additionally, the administrative structure was changed, vocational and academic courses were expanded, and a partnership was established with the Grove City Area School District, which afforded students the opportunity to earn a Grove City High School diploma.

Throughout George Junior Republic’s historical transformation, its mission, "To helping each boy become a successful, well adjusted adult, capable of achieving a higher degree of citizenship, and a better understanding of his responsibility to society, his family, and himself." has remained unchanged.