The program allows college students who are entering sophomores, juniors, and seniors to explore their Jewish identities and engage in thought-provoking Jewish learning in an open, pluralistic environment.  It also allows students to explore future opportunities in Jewish education, as professionals and lay leaders. The SCP combines sessions organized exclusively for its participants with the opportunity to participate in the larger conference program.  Annually, the college program attracts about 25 students and the CAJE conference attracts about 1,200 participants.

Students accepted into the College Program attend the Shabbat program, the Pre-Conference, and the main Conference. A generous grant from the Schusterman Foundation covers the full cost of the Conference. Participants are responsible for their own travel expenses and for a discounted CAJE membership fee of $36.  An application to attend the program, as well as a program flyer and information about the Spack Fellowship, which also covers airfare to the Conference, is available on the CAJE website at www.caje.org/college.

 
The Schusterman College Program has been found to have a profound effect on participants. A recent study of program alumni found that a very high proportion (70%) are currently employed in Jewish education or in Jewish communal services, studying in a graduate program leading to a career in the Jewish community, or  planning to enter the field within the next three years.

  “The Schusterman College Program has been instrumental in shaping my career as a Jewish educator,” according to Lauren Twigg, Chair of this year’s Schusterman College Program and herself a program participant just a few years ago. 

 “When I was a Schusterman Fellow in 2002, my passion for Jewish education was ignited.  The introductions made there even led to the work I do today.  For example, that year I saw 'Storahtelling" for the first time and I am now a company member and an educator for them.  The Opportunities Fair during the SCP showed me the many options for post-graduate programs and I am now a master’s student at the Davidson School of Jewish Education at the Jewish Theological Seminary.  In the back of my mind, I always knew I would go into Jewish Education.  The Schusterman College Program paved the way for me to explore and ultimately choose my career path as a Jewish educator.”

“CAJE is actively reaching out to and recruiting people into the field of Jewish education,” noted CAJE President Fran Pearlman.  “Each year, the CAJE Conference hosts the Schusterman College Program that looks to and plants seeds for the future.  College students have an opportunity at the Conference to share with their peers and explore the world of Jewish education in tailored tracks of learning and in private sessions with teachers, lay leaders and the CAJE leadership.  These young people are the future; CAJE prides itself on planning for the future.”

Information may be obtained from  the CAJE office at 212-268-4210 or cajecollege31@hotmail.com. The application deadline is Friday, April 14, 2006.

About CAJE

The mission of the Coalition for the Advancement of Jewish Education (CAJE) is to promote excellence in Jewish education across the spectrum of Jewish life.   CAJE, the largest membership organization of Jewish educators in North America , is committed to promoting excellence in the areas of Judaic content, pedagogic skills, and the culture of education.  The current work of the national non-profit includes a focus on Jewish educators working in congregational schools, early childhood settings, and day schools.  In addition, CAJE seeks to increase the engagement of those between the ages of 25-35 in providing quality Jewish education to knowledge-seekers at all levels and in all settings. 

CAJE has established a reputation of quality and support by offering a wide variety of benefits and programs to its members.  In addition to the Aug. 6-10  Conference on Alternatives in Jewish Education, it will sponsor the Early Childhood and Day School Conference at St. John’s University in Queens , NY , from June 25 – 28. Other programs, benefits, and services include the Curriculum Bank; a scholarly journal; thematic and crisis curricular publications ; a Job Bank; grants for outstanding work in the field; awards and scholarships; networking opportunities; advocacy through the Advocacy Commission of CAJE; online professional development; and its website.

CAJE is actively reaching out to and recruiting people into the field of Jewish education through its teen , college, and mentoring programs. It also takes a further step by offering a special program for novice teachers at the Early Childhood and Day School Conference. Its members, which exceed 4000 annually, span the religious and ideological spectrum and encompass a wide range of professional designations (teachers, principals, rabbis, informal educators, communal professionals, and lay leaders). For further information about the organization, please visit www.caje.org.

Resnick is commuinications coordinator for the Coalition for the Advancement of  Jewish Education.