Engaging one student is an art. Engaging 3,000 is a science, and we have the data we need to drive our strategy.

As the result of participating in a major research project titled “Measuring Excellence,” through Hillel International, we know that Hillel really matters. We have data that involvement in Hillel significantly enhances Jewish identity and the likelihood of involvement in Jewish life long after college. Most importantly, the research has enabled each Hillel to be data-driven to better inform program design. When it comes to engaging a single student, it’s all about relationships. However, when it comes to engaging an entire Jewish campus, it’s now science.

One of the study’s major findings has given us critical information to make enhancements to better direct our engagement work. In years past, our strategy was premised on the belief that high impact programs like Birthright and Alternative Breaks mattered most. We learned that diverse and abundant options in student driven programming can have an equal or greater impact on Jewish identity. Our goal had been to engage a minimum of 40 percent of students in at least four substantive programs annually. The research showed that to really change identity, students had to attend six, not four programs. However, based on the students’ background, the mix of programs was very different.

Students whose families were less engaged in the Jewish community or Jewish practice benefitted most from trying six different types of programs. Students who had a more active Jewish upbringing became more engaged in Jewish life on campus by finding their niche and digging deeply, attending the same activity six or more time and taking ownership of that activity. Students with the strongest Jewish backgrounds became most engaged by taking on leadership opportunities and engaging other students.

With this new information, our Hillels’ leadership can strategically plan their budget with an eye toward maximizing student engagement and enrichment. Hillels need both a breadth of programming to engage the greatest number of students, and depth of programming to give students ownership and leadership opportunities. “Measuring Excellence” also provided each of the 18 programs that participated in the inaugural study with personalized data to help them drive their campus programming.

For example, the University of Chicago is taking their findings to heart and creating low-barrier programs that pack a high-impact punch. Sarah Zeichner, a fourth year, and Rabbi Anna Levin Rosen, director of Jewish Student Life at The Newberger Hillel Center, worked together to create Mixed Flavors: Multicultural Dinners , a dinner series that brings together students to cook a meal and talk about what it means to have multiple identities. “Some students come because they like to cook, or they want to support a friend,” Rosen said. “The first conversation was led by a student with Korean and Jewish heritage that invited the whole group to think about their upbringing and how they wanted to pass Judaism along to the next generation.”

“We are opening up a conversation that reflects the lives of today’s students. We invite students to bring their whole selves to Hillel and don’t want anyone to check part of their identity at the door,” she added.

Illinois Hillels are among the best in the nation, but we cannot stop working to become even better. With new data, Illinois Hillels have new goals to create a stronger impact. Our Hillels are working toward meeting 90 percent of Jewish students on campus in the hopes engaging them in meaningful ways that create long lasting relationships with Hillel and the broader Jewish community.

Karen Martin is director of the Lewis Summer Intern Program and Development Manager for the Hillels of Illinois. She started her professional career as an Engagement Associate at Miami University Hillel.

Spertus Institute is a partner with the Jewish United Fund in serving our community. Find out more at spertus.edu .