New Study Shows Jewish Student Connection’s Clubs Achieving Success
January 8th, 2013
Teens Increasingly Create their own Jewish Experiences and Communities
San Francisco – Entering its fourth year of offering in-school educational experiences for Jewish teens, a new study released today demonstrates that Jewish Student Connection (JSC) is achieving positive outcomes as a catalyst for Jewish teens to take ownership of their Jewish future. The study, conducted by BTW informing change, looked specifically at the programmatic and organizational growth of JSC in Chicago, South Florida, Westchester/Connecticut and Denver from 2010 – 2012.
“JSC has changed my life in so many ways,” says Cali Willis of George Washington High School in Denver. “From helping me map out my future decisions, to helping me grow as a Jew, JSC has proven to be my main support. It was not long ago that I walked through the halls at my public school feeling slightly different from the rest of my peers. Whether this feeling came from the Jewish Star I wear around my neck, I always felt different. I never walked through the halls of my school feeling confident in my Jewish identity. But JSC has been the most positive and motivating experience of my life.”
In each region, JSC’s network of Jewish culture clubs in public and private high schools are guided by full-time Jewish educator-advisors who focus their attention on building one-on-one relationships with participants. Unlike other Jewish education offerings for teens, JSC’s network of 65 school-based clubs meets conveniently on their high school campuses and require no membership or up front commitment.
Key findings show that JSC helps to shape the teens’ Jewish journeys:
Participants
Read the full study here.
“The results from this evaluation are very promising for a young organization,” says Ellen Irie, principal of BTW informing change. “JSC’s ability to touch so many Jewish and non-Jewish teens speaks to how well aligned the program is with today’s youth. The findings show that regular participation in JSC provides Jewish teens with an ongoing Jewish learning experience and a Jewish community. The excellent program staff is a key to this, as they relate exceptionally well to students, develop students’ trust, and cultivate student leadership.”
While JSC clubs vary from school to school, the study found that in every region an effective club advisor is a key to creating a thriving club that builds upon teens’ existing friendships and desire for community.
“The study not only shows that Jewish teens enjoy creating their own Jewish experiences, but it also provides key learnings upon which JSC can build,” says Susan Holzman Wachsstock, Executive Director of JSC. “The power of teens’ social networks is clearly evident – a majority of teens start coming to JSC meetings because their friends are attending and because they also want to be involved in an extracurricular activity. These events are fun, create a Jewish community in the schools, and encourage teens to participate in other Jewish organizations and events.”
Adds Brad Sugar, JSC National Director of Operations: “Especially as a freshman, it’s often difficult to find comfort in a larger environment. Our clubs have become a place that students meet each other, feel comfortable with each other, and form bonds that last well beyond clubs. Now, Jewish students in biology that didn’t know each other are teaming up as lab partners. That’s a good thing.”
Sugar also notes the positive outcome JSC has achieved regarding interest in Israel.
“All participating students – not just Jewish ones – are important champions of Israel’s story. Students can explore their relationship with Israel in an open, honest and proud way in JSC clubs with their peers, perhaps in a way they are not able to do anywhere else.”