Latest News from Campus

For many Jewish college students, Hillel and Jewish Greek life organizations like AEPi offer spaces to build friendships, celebrate Jewish life, and develop leadership skills. Students at Northeastern University, Carnegie Mellon University, and the University of Iowa describe how participating in both communities shapes their Jewish identities and strengthens their sense of belonging on campus. Said Northeastern student Noah Ben-Zion, “thanks to my community at Northeastern, both in Hillel and AEPi, which for me are very intertwined, I was lucky enough to feel safe and protected by those around me.”

Targeted gifts to Hillel International will award more than $350,000 in scholarships to 65 Jewish college students this fall, marking the largest cohort in the program’s history. The scholarships recognize academic achievement, community service, Jewish connection, first-generation college enrollment, and financial need, with most awards ranging from $3,000 to $18,000 per year and renewable through graduation. “All Jewish students deserve the opportunity to pursue their ambitions,” said Adam Lehman, president and CEO of Hillel International, adding that he is confident the recipients “will accomplish great things” with the support of these scholarships.

Tanger Hillel at Brooklyn College plans to welcome nearly 700 Jewish students through welcome-week events this fall, giving students opportunities to meet peers and build connections ahead of the semester. Planned programming includes a welcome-back, summer camp-themed Shabbat, an open house, and a pizza-making event. Director of Student Experience Sarali Cohen, said “I want every event to help students find a sense of belonging, connect with others, and see Hillel as a place where they can build lasting friendships and community.”

Hillel at Clemson University will become professionally staffed for the first time this fall, expanding support, programming, and leadership opportunities for an estimated 500 Jewish undergraduate students. Jewish student participation has grown fivefold in recent years, and a generous $430,000 investment from The Leon Levine Foundation will fund the Hillel’s first executive director, initial programming, and student leadership opportunities.

Staff members from The Ohio State University Hillel, led by CEO Naomi Lamb, recently completed a weeklong educational program at the Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem. During the program, participants engaged in intensive study of contemporary Israeli society and explored new approaches to strengthening Jewish life and educational initiatives on campus. Reflecting on the experience, Lamb emphasized that “Israel education really isn’t one size fits all.”

Hillel International is awarding nearly $3.7 million in grants to more than 180 campus Hillels to fund initiatives including student leadership development, Shabbat programs, and regional gatherings. These grants, benefitting thousands of students, will help give Jewish students the tools, community, and confidence to build thriving, joyful Jewish life on campus.