Teen JUST-US is an innovative paid summer internship program for Jewish teens entering 11th and 12th grade who have a passion for social justice and making a difference in the world. Teen JUST-US was founded by Amy Tanenbaum, a visionary and tenacious leader in the Boston Jewish community. This year, through conversation and collaboration, it was decided that the program would join Temple Israel’s teen program. TI was an early partner, hosting them in our building for four years and sharing a vision of engaging all Jewish teens. We are so excited to continue Amy’s vision and host this extraordinary program.
Teen JUST-US is more than an internship; it’s a welcoming community of dedicated teens who strive to make the world a better place. From tackling climate change to addressing immigration challenges, participants embark on a journey to transform their passion into meaningful action. For this six-week program, participants are matched with local organizations for their internships, where they work three days a week. Our teens work on pre-planned projects, are mentored by professionals at their placements and provide direct service to help the organizations fulfill their missions.
The teens come together as a cohort for the other two days of the week to delve into the Jewish perspective on social justice, engage in leadership development and participate in group service activities. We also have a weekly Qabbalat Shabbat service where teens take turns planning for their peers, which adds meaning to their collective journey. Unlike other programs, Teen JUST-US offers a bridge between exploring the professional world and giving back to the community, all while working in a peer cohort.
This unique program actively seeks to engage teens from all across the Jewish spectrum, including those who are not affiliated with a synagogue. This paid internship attracts a diverse group of Jewish teens, setting it apart from other costly programs, and teens receive a $1,000 stipend after completing the program. Teen JUST-US Boston is a transformative journey that empowers Jewish teens to lead through social justice, creating ripples of positive change within and beyond their communities. We are blessed to help this wonderful program continue to grow and evolve.
Program dates: June 24 to Aug. 2, 2024
Apply here.
For more information, please visit tisrael.org/teen-just-us-boston.
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