Teen Programs
The Milwaukee Jewish Federation offers two impactful teen programs aimed at fostering community, learning, and cultural understanding.
New this year, the new Student to Student program is a classroom-based experiential initiative that brings Jewish and non-Jewish high school students together, promoting mutual understanding and respect through personal storytelling and the sharing of Jewish traditions. This program not only enriches the participants’ knowledge and empathy but also strengthens broader community bonds. Student 2 Student is in partnership with the Milwaukee Jewish Federation’s Coalition for Jewish Learning, the Jewish Community Relations Council, and the Nathan and Esther Pelz Holocaust Education Resource Center. More information below.
The Milwaukee Jewish Teen Philanthropy Board engages Jewish teens from 9th through 12th grade in a collaborative effort of communal giving and learning, striving to achieve the goal of Tikkun Olam, or “repairing the world.”
STUDENT TO STUDENT
Milwaukee’s inaugural Student to Student program offers an incredible opportunity for 11th and 12th graders to make a meaningful impact in our community. This innovative, classroom-based experiential program brings together Jewish and non-Jewish high school students, fostering mutual understanding and respect through personal storytelling about Jewish culture and traditions.
Student to Student is in partnership with the Milwaukee Jewish Federation’s Coalition for Jewish Learning, the Jewish Community Relations Council, and the Nathan and Esther Pelz Holocaust Education Resource Center.
Applications are now closed.
Questions? Contact Dalilah Bernier at DalilahB@MilwaukeeJewish.org.
Funding for Student to Student was provided by the Irving L. Chortek Charitable Fund in Memory of Robert and Jennie Chortek.
2023-24 Teen Philanthropy Board Grant Ceremony
Thank you for joining us in acknowledging the achievements of the Teen Philanthropy Board Members and the presentation of grants to this year’s nonprofit recipients.
Click Here to View Event Photos
What is Teen Philanthropy?
The Milwaukee Jewish Teen Philanthropy Board is a community-wide program that engages Jewish teens in a communal giving and learning effort to achieve our goal of Tikkun Olam, “repairing the world”.
A diverse group of Jewish students in high school from the greater Milwaukee area attend monthly sessions centered around grant making, non-profit functions, and the philanthropic model.
In empowering teens to use philanthropy as a means to make social change, the sessions cover a variety of topics ranging from understanding community need, developing grant strategies, evaluating grant proposals, performing site visits and practicing strategic decision-making and consensus-building techniques.
What does Teen Philanthropy do?
The 2023-2024 Teen Philanthropy Board allocated funds to the below organizations after a thorough vetting and decision-making process.
- The Gathering of Southeast Wisconsin
- BBYO Wisconsin Region
- The Nathan and Esther Pelz Holocaust Education Resource Center
- Hillel Milwaukee
Quotes from Board Members
“The board acts as a meeting point between Jewish teenagers and the local community.”
“This program was different from other Jewish experiences because it wasn’t just about having fun, it was also about making a difference.”
“MJTPB helped me feel that I could be a change maker in the world. I enjoyed being able to make a decision that took time and long thinking.”
“I have developed the ability to support my ideas with evidence to prove and justify why I advocate for it.”
GoJewish! Milwaukee Education
GoJewish! is an initiative of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation aimed at increasing awareness and participation in Jewish education. Learn more about educational opportunities for Teens below.
Contact
If you have any questions about the Milwaukee Jewish Teen Philanthropy Board or Student to Student, please contact Dalilah Bernier, Director of Teen Initiatives.
The Teen Philanthropy program was made possible by a grant from the Zilber Family Foundation of the Jewish Community Foundation.
