Looking inward, reaching outward, moving forward

With the pandemic thankfully subsiding, teens are once again engaging in extra-curricular experiences that broaden their horizons, introduce new interests, expand their social circles, and deepen their ties to community. When these experiences happen within the Jewish community, they become even more powerful.

That’s why Springboard–Chicago’s hub for Jewish teen programs–created Innovation Grants. The grants inspire Jewish communal professionals to take risks, experiment with new ideas that match the interests of teens, and innovate new delivery methods for meaningful programs.

Most importantly, these grants have provided an opportunity to partner with Jewish teen organizations to dream big–and create new and exciting ways for teens to explore their Jewish values.

“I gained so much insight into myself as an individual and my connection to Judaism,” said one program participant. “I met so many new people who I learned so much from and I will never forget.”

Since its inception, Springboard has partnered to incubate 28 new experiences for Jewish teens, some involving immersive travel experiences, while others enhanced local community offerings. The programs have allowed over 600 teens to enjoy niche Jewish experiences.

“The Innovation Grant program challenged our synagogue to take teen programming to the next level,” said Oak Park Temple’s Rabbi Daniel Kirzane. “Thoughtful partnership from JUF staff and meaningful financial support dramatically improved our signature travel experience. The expertise, compassion, and encouragement that Springboard offers to local partners to the Jewish community is a true gift.”

Innovation Grants are part of Springboard’s broader vision of making Jewish life more accessible for teens. We look forward to forging more partnerships across our community, and creating many more opportunities for today’s–and tomorrow’s–Jewish teens.

Springboard Innovation Grant programs for early 2023:

• NCSY’s Relief Mission, which took place in February, invited teens to strengthen their Jewish identities and connection to Jewish values through a hands-on volunteer experience in a disaster-stricken area of Houston.
• Oak Park Temple crafted a trip to New York focused on building community for Jewish teens from the western suburbs of Chicago. Participants explored the theme, “400 Years of Jews In New York: what’s changed and what it means to us.” Through the trip, they deepened their understanding of what it means to be an American Jew and strengthen bonds with their local community.
• From March 27-31, the JCC’s College Roadtrip, will take teens across the Midwest to tour five of the Big Ten Universities. At each school, teens will meet with students and faculty, and discover Jewish life on campus. Register here: jccchicago.org/collegeroadtrip

Springboard was created with the support of JUF/Jewish Federation of Chicago, The Jim Joseph Foundation, and a consortium of local funders.   To learn more, visit springboardchicago.org.

Sarina Fogel Gerson is the Assistant Vice President of Community Outreach and Engagement & Director and Teen Engagement Initiative for the Jewish United Fund.