It’s back to school season and this time of year, we’re thinking a lot about equal access to quality education. Whether the result of poorly-funded schools or outside factors such as unstable housing and food insecurity, students from low-income families face immense challenges to obtain a quality education and break the cycle of poverty. That’s why we’re so proud to have our Corps Members working as college counselors, youth workers, and after-school program assistants to break down barriers and directly impact students’ lives to help them reach success.

Erez Mirer of Brooklyn, NY served this past year at Teens Run DC, an organization that promotes the physical, social, and emotional well-being of underserved youth through a mentoring and distance running program.

“Something that’s been really meaningful for me this year at my placement is helping students realize their full potential and give them the life skills that will help them throughout their entire lives,” Erez said.

Our Jewish Service Corps Members don’t just work to improve educational opportunities for children though. Check out this profile in The Times Picayune about the ‘Fab Five’ volunteers, who worked as education superheroes this year leading a free adult literacy program at the YMCA Education Services (YES) of Greater New Orleans.

During the 2017-18 school year, our Jewish Service Corps Members will be working with some of the country’s best student-focused organizations including: Girls in the Game (Chicago), Girls on the Run New Orleans, Communities In Schools of Greater New Orleans, Inc., YMCA of Greater New Orleans, Adams Street Foundation (New York City), Crown Heights Community Mediation Center (NYC), Educational Alliance’s Manny Cantor Center (NYC), Comprehensive Development, Inc (NYC), Byte Back (DC), Teens Run DC, DC SCORES, and others!