TEENS FOR TOMORROW
Federation supports programs that help Jewish teens of all backgrounds, denominations, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities feel a sense of belonging. Whether through BBYO, Jewish Student Union (JSU) clubs in public schools, LEAP, travel and exchange programs, SINAI Schools, or volunteer opportunities, there are many ways for teens to build meaningful Jewish experiences that can shape a lifelong connection to Jewish life.
The Center for Jewish Teen Engagement is launching Community Innovation Microgrants to spark creativity, strengthen collaboration, and expand meaningful Jewish teen programming across Northern New Jersey. These grants support new or enhanced initiatives that bring Jewish values to life, build leadership, and deepen community connection.
Individuals, organizations, and teens (with an adult mentor) may apply for up to $2,500 to pilot new ideas or elevate existing programs.
ELIGIBILITY DETAILS
The Center for Jewish Teen Engagement is a new regional hub designed to help Jewish teens in Northern New Jersey connect, grow, and lead. At a time of rising antisemitism and growing social pressures, the Center expands access to meaningful Jewish experiences, strengthens identity, and supports the next generation of Jewish leaders.
The Center is anchored by four pillars:
Collaboration – bringing together teen-facing professionals through a regional roundtable.
Opportunity – offering a wide range of accessible, community-informed programs.
Innovation – piloting creative ideas through microgrants and new experiential initiatives.
Sustainability – building long-term investment in our community’s teens.
For more information for parents, teens, or professionals, contact Sara Miriam Liben, Director of the Center for Teen Engagement, at SaraML@jfnnj.org.
The Center for Jewish Teen Engagement is a partnership of Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey, The Jewish Education Project (TJEP), the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades, and The Russell Berrie Foundation.
LEAP – AN iCAN LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
LEAP is a leadership program for high school students designed to address core questions for Jewish students as they prepare for college and beyond. Participants study Jewish values, identify their personal views and perspectives around Israel and Zionism and learn how to engage in civil discourse with individuals of differing opinions.
Sheryl Sarin, Senior Director, Community Planning and Allocation, SherylS@jfnnj.org, 201-820-3913
JEWISH STUDENT UNION
Jewish Student Union (JSU) is more than just a high school club. It is a place where Jewish teens in public schools build community and connect with each other. JSU welcomes and embraces all teens into its inclusive, vibrant, and open community. Since October 7th, its been critical to provide this space for our teens in public high schools. We have seen an even greater demand for JSU programs since October 7th and the corresponding rise in antisemitism. One student said: “I learned about the importance of community and standing up for yourself. In a time of rising antisemitism, we must stand up to hatred, but most importantly, we must stand together. JSU helps us to stand together!”, Sheryl Sarin, Senior Director, Community Planning and Allocation, SherylS@jfnnj.org, 201-820-3913
BBYO
BBYO is the leading pluralistic Jewish teen movement aspiring to involve more Jewish teens in meaningful Jewish experiences. Federation funds BBYO in northern New Jersey to make sure teens have a vibrant platform for having fun, affordable, and meaningful experiences that inspire a lasting connection and lifelong friendships. For more information, please contact your local BBYO at gjhrr@bbyo.org
For more information visit, BBYO
Sheryl Sarin, Senior Director, Community Planning and Allocation, SherylS@jfnnj.org, 201-820-3913
ISRAELNOW
IsraelNow is an educational trip designed to give 8th graders an immersive, emotional, and memorable taste of Israel. This trip provides the opportunity for teens to explore their Jewish heritage through a week-long, “hands-on” experience.
IsraelNow serves as a launchpad to establish a relationship with Israel, become more involved in the local Jewish community, and engage in Jewish life throughout their high school years and beyond. The experience consists of an eight-day trip to Israel in addition to pre and post trip programming.
This transformational experience lays the groundwork for a young person to develop into an active member of the Jewish community, a lover of Israel, and an increased enrollment in both formal and informal Jewish education and programming during high school. For more information, contact Linda Slobodow, Senior Jewish Outreach Associate for Planning and Allocations, LindaS@jfnnj.org or 201-820-3904
volunteer
The Volunteer Center offers individuals and families a meaningful way to participate in Tikkun Olam initiatives. Through needs-driven, impactful programs, volunteers serve the Jewish and broader communities — ultimately strengthening a collective community. For more information please contact Rachel Shatz at RachelS@jfnnj.org