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
Project Teen-Seed613
Our new program, 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 to practice innovative problem solving, critical thinking and human-centered project design, discuss pressing social issues, learn fundraising and budgeting tactics, and create community among peers.
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.
Club Schedules
Glenbrook North High School Israeli Culture Club
Highland Park High School Israel Interest Group
Jones College Prep
Lane Tech College Prep
Lincoln Park High School
Naperville North High School
New Trier High School Club Israel
Northside College Prep
Oak Park and River Forest High School
Prairie Jewish Youth
Stevenson High School Club Israel
Walter Payton College Prep
Whitney Young High School
Advisor Spotlight
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.
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.
Meaningful Jewish Experiences
BBYO Connect gives 6th, 7th and 8th graders special opportunities for social, recreational, athletic, cultural and Judaic activities with new friends.
BBYO provides fun and meaningful Jewish experiences for high schoolers by fostering independent thinking and leadership abilities that will help prepare them for college and adulthood.
JCC Chicago is a partner with BBYO’s Greater Midwest Region with 14 active chapters across Chicagoland.
