Teens

Remember what it was like growing up at the J?

The teen and tween years are all about being with friends. The J helps extend social circles beyond school to foster meaningful new relationships. It’s where something fun – and someone fun – is waiting for your child every time they walk into the JCC.

Jewish Student Connection

The Jewish Student Connection provides programming opportunities throughout Chicagoland.

These inclusive high school clubs help teens find a deeper connection to Jewish values and their community. By becoming a part of the JSC experience, teens can participate in monthly club experiences as well as the following opportunities:

Summer programming to continue engagement year-round and connect JSC teens across participating schools
Scholarships to enable access to life-enriching Jewish programs such as the Maccabi Games, Diller, Write On and others
New and strengthened partnerships, including opportunities for JSC teens to give back through volunteer efforts

JSC Locations

School List

Where can you find JSC? Here’s the list:

Beacon Academy
Buffalo Grove High School
Glenbrook North High School
Highland Park High School
Kenwood Academy High School
Jones College Prep
Latin School of Chicago
Lane Tech College Prep
Lincoln Park High School
Naperville North High School
New Trier High School
Northside College Prep
Oak Park and River Forest
Prairie Jewish Youth (for teens in the Fox River Valley area)
Stevenson High School
Walter Payton College Prep
Whitney Young Magnet High School

JSC Scholars

JSC is proud to announce a new scholarship program, JSC Scholars. Teens participating in life-changing Jewish experiences such as Diller Teen Fellows, Write On for Israel, JCC Maccabi Games, etc. will be eligible to apply for a $500 merit scholarship towards their program fee. JSC values leadership and commitment to the Jewish community, and is excited to provide this opportunity to our outstanding teens.

Application

Advisor Spotlight

Julie Minor

Julie Minor, Manager of Jewish Student Connection and Teen Engagement at the JCC, is excited to begin her fourth year with JSC. In her role, she oversees the operations and management of the Jewish Student Connection program as well as all other JCC Chicago teen initiatives. Julie is passionate about working with Jewish teens, encouraging them to create their own meaningful connection to Judaism, the Jewish people and Israel. Outside of JSC, Julie is a mentor with Write On For Israel, and a Youth Advisor at Congregation Beth Judea in Long Grove. Julie graduated with a BA in Political Science and Religious Studies from the University of Pittsburgh, and an MS in Public Service Management from DePaul University.

Questions?

Email Julie at jminor@jccchicago.org or call 847.763.3639

Project Teen Seed613

Project Teen-Seed613

Committed to ending gender bias for the next generation, the Hadassah Foundation has provided generous support for the creation and implementation of the 3rd cohort of Project Teen-Seed613.

Project Teen-Seed613 empowers Jewish teen girls to work together to identify challenges in the community and create solutions, whether big or small, that will make a meaningful difference. Fellows will practice innovative problem solving, critical thinking and human-centered design project design, discuss pressing social issues, learn business skills such as marketing, fundraising and budgeting tactics, and create community among peers.

Fellows work in small groups on their impact projects, and are partnered with a mentor – entrepreneurs, activists, and successful professionals – to guide them through the development of their project. Through innovative curriculum, supportive staff, and collaboration, Fellows will explore all aspects relating to business and entrepreneurial success throughout the program.

Fellows will participate in workshops related to issues such as breaking through the gender bias, risk-taking, and overcoming fears and self-doubt. Project Teen-Seed613 Fellows will complete the program having applied their skills learned to develop a socially responsible venture that will positively impact the community, and will have the opportunity to pitch their idea to the community at the program’s Launch Night in May.

Fellows will meet one to two times per month to work within the cohort, with their mentor, and with their small group on their impact projects. Time will also be spent on their projects outside of group sessions.

If you have any questions, contact Julie Minor at jminor@jccchicago.org or 847.763.3639.

Applications for Cohort 3 of Project Teen-Seed613 are now closed.

Launch Night 2018

Dates

2018-19 Dates

Times of seminars are TBD. They will take place in Northbrook, Evanston, and Chicago.

Sunday, November 4, 2018
Sunday, December 9, 2018
EITHER Sunday, January 13 or 20, 2019
Sunday, February 10, 2019
Sunday, March 3, 2019
Sunday, March 17, 2019
Sunday, April 7, 2019
Sunday, April 28, 2019
Tuesday, May 21, 2019

The Hadassah Foundation has provided generous support for the creation and implementation of Project Teen-Seed613.

Chi Town Connection

Opportunity for Youth Leaders

Teens in 8th – 11th grades can join Chi Town Connection (CTC), a year-round youth group connected to JCC Camp Chi, known nationally as one of the leading overnight camps in the country. CTC offers tons of fun and camaraderie among young people as well as unique opportunities for hands-on leadership experiences.

Teens in CTC participate in social and recreational events, community service activities and leadership opportunities, including the leadership advisory board where teens plan, promote and implement events, participate in outreach work, and help influence the growth of both JCC Camp Chi and Chi Town Connection.

CTC is open to all.

For more information about upcoming events, call Kyle Kolling, Camp Chi Program Coordinator, at 847.763.3637.

Programs for Girls

Club J

6th-8th grade
Jewish girls can use the great facilities at Bernard Horwich JCC in Rogers Park for fun nights with friends. in 6th, 7th or 8th grade girls get together for Club J – a special club designed just for Jewish tweens. They can work out, play games, go swimming or just hang out and talk. Here’s a great chance to make new friends and get together with old friends at the “J”!