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What is Teen Initiative?
Jewish teens are busy people-- between late-night phone calls, tons of homework, web surfing, hanging out, emailing friends, sweating over the SATs and wondering if that certain someone is going to call, how can Jewish teens connect with other Jewish teens in Western Massachusetts?
The Harold Grinspoon Foundation started the Teen Initiative as a way to support and expand opportunities for Jewish teens in Western Massachusetts. The Foundation provides matching grants of up to $10,000 to synagogues in Western Massachusetts for teen programs.
The goals are:
- To provide funds for innovative informal Jewish education using youth leadership development models.
- To connect Jewish teens to positive Jewish experiences in Western Massachusetts through collaborations and community involvement.
- To support professional development of youth educators at funded sites through technical assistance, training, support and networking opportunities.
- To provide consultation and support to local Jewish institutions to improve and enhance teen programs and informal Jewish education.
The Teen Initiative is for all Jewish teens in Western Massachusetts. Teens do not have to belong to a synagogue to be part of the Teen Initiative. Some teens may know what a matzoh ball is, why you light candles on Shabbat, and that, while charoset may look gross, it tastes great. Some teens are interested in leading Shabbat services and others want to talk about tikun olam and how to repair the world. Some teens may not be familiar with any of this, but they want to meet other Jewish teens and learn more while having fun! This year, 10 synagogues are part of teen initiative. Click here to read about 2007-2008 grantees. We are excited that you've taken an interest in the Teen Initiative. If you would like to learn more about this program, please email Valerie@hgf.org. Click the following to download:
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