CCI Funding for Onward Israel Internships – Summer 2018
Thanks to a generous donor, CCI is offering funding to three students who have already had exposure to Israel and want to return for a summer to participate in a six to ten week internship through Onward Israel. Students interested in this opportunity must apply directly to Onward Israel, be accepted, and then contact Cheryl Whitney Lower at CCI. Awards of $1500 to help cover program fees and airfare will be given on a first come, first-served basis.
Onward Israel’s purpose is to increase exponentially the number of Birthright and teen programs alumni who return to Israel for a transformative identity-building second visit, eventually reaching a stage where half of all first time visitors partake in a longer more immersive second experience. The intended long-term outcome is a long-lasting connection with Israel and a strong commitment to Jewish life and community at the heart of the next generations.
Onward Israel will offer students and young adults mid-length Israel experiences (6-10 weeks), primarily during the summer, speaking directly to the interests and concerns of the young adult population entering the labor force in a global world. Programs will be structured around resume-building opportunities such as internships, service learning, and academic courses. Further, Onward Israel will maximize opportunities for cross-cultural immersion, a feature that is highly prized by employers and academic institutions. Onward Israel will leverage investments in first-time Israel experiences by generating a solid cohort of motivated and engaged alumni, who will return home more likely to make Jewish choices, with greater readiness to be involved in invigorating Jewish communities and organizations.
Onward Israel’s Goals
To create a compelling, accessible and affordable program framework that will greatly increase the percentage of young adults having a second and more meaningful experience in Israel.
To capitalize on Israel’s competitive advantages (start-up nation, technology, global interactions, cultural immersion, Jewish social capital) to provide high-quality experiences that will increase Israel’s market share for young people searching to advance themselves personally and professionally.
To provide a significant immersive experience in Israel for Jewish young adults allowing for the
deepening of Jewish identity and the connection to Israel along with personal growth development.
To foster the awareness and interest of program participants regarding post-trip communal opportunities for activism, involvement and leadership.