Building confidence, community, and the next generation of Jewish leaders.
Develop your voice. Build advocacy skills. Become a stronger Jewish leader.
AJC Chicago’s Leaders for Tomorrow (LFT) helps young Jewish leaders develop the skills to advocate for the Jewish people, Israel, and human rights and become positive change agents in their communities. Participants learn about Israel, global Jewry, antisemitism, and strategic advocacy.
Who can apply: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors during the 2026–2027 school year
Cost: Free
When: Seven monthly, in-person Sunday sessions, 2:00–5:00 PM
Where: Northwestern Hillel
Application deadline: Tuesday, September 15
Three nights of community, ruach, and unforgettable USY experiences in Atlanta.
January 15–18, 2027 • Atlanta, Georgia
Join USY teens from across North America for three nights of Kabbalat Shabbat and Havdalah, social action, special programs, surprise guests, time with friends, and plenty of ruach.
Then a small highlighted note:
Scholarships are available.
Programs available: Semester • Mini-Mester • Summer
Summer 2027 & School Year 2027–28 applications are now open.
Study, grow, and experience Israel as your classroom.
Alexander Muss High School in Israel combines accredited academics with an immersive Israel experience designed to help students build independence, confidence, critical-thinking skills, and a deeper connection to Israel.
Up to $15,000 in Grant Funding Available
Chicagoland-area high school students and Ramah Wisconsin alumni may be eligible for up to $15,000 through the Susan and Marc Sacks Grant for semester and mini-mester programs.
Travel, explore, serve, and connect with other Jewish teens through USY’s Summer 2027 experiences.
NEW ROUTE FOR 2027
🚌 USY on Wheels
Current Grades 8–10
June 28–August 11, 2027
Hit the road for a Jewish teen adventure across North America, filled with new places, Jewish communities, friendships, and experiences along the way.
🌴 Impact DR
Current Grades 9–10
June 28–July 7, 2027
Travel to the Dominican Republic for an experience combining meaningful service, cultural exploration, Jewish learning, and adventure.
✡️ Yuval Yisrael
Current Grades 10–12
3 Weeks in Israel + Optional Poland Add-On
Explore Israel alongside other Jewish teens while connecting with its land, people, history, and contemporary life. An optional Poland add-on explores Jewish history, memory, and resilience.
Yuval Yisrael – USY’s Summer Program in Israel
Learn more about Yuval Yisrael, USY’s summer program in Israel, at an upcoming virtual information session for teens and parents. Discover what the experience is all about, itinerary highlights, costs and financial aid, and next steps for Summer 2027.
📅 Tuesday, September 8
🕗 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT
💻 Virtual Information Session
Questions in the meantime? Reach out to Benjy Behrman.
Can’t join the session but want more info? Let USY know you’re interested.
Starting September 2027, Nativ offers graduating seniors the opportunity to spend a full year in Israel exploring, learning, building independence, and continuing to grow as Jewish leaders within the Conservative/Masorti community.
Applications are now open for Fall 2027.
Info Session on 11/8 • 1:00 PM ET / 10:00 AM PT
Apply and make a deposit by December 15 to receive a free international trip during your gap year.
Celebrating our Am Yisrael teens’ impact and leadership.
Every single year, we have had one or two teens recognized. The not-so-secret sauce behind much of our success in the School of Jewish Studies (SJS) and AMUSY programs is the leadership of our teens.
🏆
Jamie Loewenthal
2026 JUF 18 Under 18 Honoree
🏆
Nate Szmuilowicz
2026 JUF 18 Under 18 Honoree
President
Shayna Kamm
Executive Vice President
David Gorodovsky
Communications VP
Elana Kamm
Outreach VP
Evan Silver-Schack
Ruach VP
Lyla Drapatsky
SATO VP
Nina Oldfield
Israel Affairs VP
Joseph Berkeley
Thank you to our Outgoing Board!
President — Nate Szmuilowicz
Executive Vice President — Sivan Belkind
Ruach Vice President — Shayna Kamm
Outreach Vice President — Elana Kamm
SATO Vice President — Nina Ravage