University of Wisconsin Hillel’s LaunchPad initiative pairs University of Wisconsin-Madison students with professionals in fields like STEM, law, business, and marketing. Launched by undergraduates and now supported by Hillel staff, the program has expanded from one mentor-mentee pair to 45 pairs, with plans to grow to 150.

Hillel at Brandeis and Brandeis University announced a major initiative to renovate Kutz Hall into a 28,000-square-foot Center for Jewish Life — the first-ever stand-alone building for Brandeis Hillel. This new facility will feature gathering spaces, a café, a beit midrash (dedicated space for Torah study), and areas for Shabbat and holiday celebrations. The project is part of a $25 million campaign to grow and strengthen Jewish life at Brandeis.

Rutgers senior Abigail Cohen is leading efforts to expand broadband access for underserved communities. As a computer science and environmental studies major, she combines her technical skills with a strong connection to her Jewish identity, supported by Rutgers Hillel.

Stony Brook University Hillel celebrated Jewish American Heritage Month with its third annual Big Jewish Block Party. The event featured a falafel food truck, inflatables, and a mini shuk (market), fostering community conversation and appreciation for Jewish culture and traditions among students and faculty.

A student affiliated with Hillel of San Diego created “Project Nitzan” to honor his friend Nitzan Libstein, who was murdered during Hamas’s October 7 attacks on Israel. The initiative involved distributing black poppy pins to students, and participating in a Yom HaZikaron event at the Lawrence Family JCC, where attendees wore sweatshirts commemorating Nitzan and his father, who was also murdered on October 7.

Hillels of Georgia hosted 400 students, alumni, donors, and campus leaders to celebrate the organization’s role in supporting Jewish life on campus. The ‘Stand with Hillel’ event featured discussions on student-led programs, initiatives to combat antisemitism, and the importance of Jewish identity in the university environment. Hillels of Georgia CEO Rabbi Larry Sernovitz emphasized, “The real story tonight is empowering our students to be leaders and providing connections across the state…”