Teen Opportunities

Explore some of the amazing teen opportunities that you can engage with in the greater Jewish community. 

Yallah! Israel Trips 

Create and be part of an immersive traveling Jewish community. Hike, climb, discover, and explore with old and new friends from across the world. Return home with endless personal accomplishments, meaningful memories and stories you’ll never forget. Incentive grants of up to $3,250 are available! For more information and to register, click here. 

Teen Interfaith Peace Camp 

Led by Children of Abraham Coalition: Peace Camp is a two-day camp for 6th- through 8th-grade Jewish, Muslim, and Christian young people during which participants build friendships with each other while they learn about the richness of each other’s religious traditions and develop skills for standing against faith-based prejudice and bullying. There is no cost of attendance. For more information, click here.

JUF Scholarships

Educational scholarship funds from grants administered by the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago are now available for Jewish college and graduate students for the 2024–2025 academic year. Approximately $350,000 in total is available each year to be allocated accordingly for full-time students with financial need who are pursuing careers primarily in the helping professions. For more information and/or to apply, click here.

JTA Teen Journalism Fellowship Accepting applications now for the fall semester

The Jewish Telegraphic Agency is now accepting applications from 15–18-year-olds who are interested in reporting the news of their community through a Jewish lens. Our teen fellows will generate story ideas and receive the training and support required to help produce an article or short multimedia piece! Click HERE to learn more.

AJ Committee Leaders for Tomorrow

LFT is AJC’s education and advocacy program for teens, empowering young Jews to speak up for Israel and the Jewish people.  LFT helps high school students develop a strong Jewish identity and trains them as advocates for Israel, and to be voices against antisemitism. Click HERE to learn more.

Diller Teen Fellows

Diller Teen Fellows program is an immersive leadership program inviting a select group of Jewish 10th and 11th graders from six continents and 32 communities to step up, lead their communities, and repair the world. Click HERE to learn more.

JCUA Or Tzedek (Jewish Council on Urban Affairs)

Or Tzedek Organizing Internship is an academic year-long program (meeting on Sunday afternoons) for high school students who are passionate about social justice and want to build the knowledge and skills to create progressive change. Click HERE to learn more.

Kol Koleinu

The Meyer-Gottesman Kol Koleinu Teen Feminist Fellowship is a distinctive opportunity for young Jewish feminists (10th through 12th grade) to learn how to effectively speak their minds and create the change they want to see in the world. Click HERE to learn more.

Kumi

Kumi: An Anti-Oppression Teen Leadership Experience is a unique opportunity for Jewish teens (10th–12th graders) to help prepare them for bold leadership and activism on college campuses, in social justice spaces, and wherever else their passions take them. Participants of the program will be equipped to interrupt racism, antisemitism, and other manifestations of oppression. Together, they will contribute to the building of more inclusive communities and movements for justice for Jews. Click HERE to learn more.

Leadership Israel

JUF Leadership Israel (formally known as Write On For Israel) is an intensive year-long fellowship that empowers a cohort of young influencers to make a tangible impact on their future college campuses and beyond. Leadership Israel is open to all rising juniors and seniors who are looking to make real change and take charge of their futures. The Leadership Israel fellowship includes monthly seminars from November through May, as well as a lobbying trip to Washington, DC, and an immersive trip to Israel where fellows turn their passion into effective leadership. Leadership Israel alumni go on to serve in student government, lead social justice groups, create campus organizations, and serve as thought leaders among their peers. Your passion and excellence training can equal infinite opportunities. Click HERE to learn more.