Nativ
Nativ, USCJ’s college leadership program in Israel for in-bound college freshmen, is a powerful immersive experience for the Conservative Jewish leaders of tomorrow. Its alumni enter college life infused with leadership skills and a focus on supporting the Jewish community. The nine-month program includes:
- Academic and Judaic study
- Immersion in Israeli society
- Leadership seminars
- Hiking trips across Israel
- Community service and volunteer opportunities including Magen David Adom training
- Opportunities to travel in Israel and to Poland
I cannot think of a single year that I can say had as much influence on my life. To this day, I still give sermons and talks about the places I visited and the things I learned. I find myself often reaching back to and using the skill sets I learned that year in my daily work as the spiritual leader of my community.
Israel Is for Everyone
Yozma, a Nativ program, is the first-ever inclusion experience for college-bound Conservative Jewish youth aged 18-21 who have cognitive and social challenges. Integrated fully into the Nativ program, Yozma participants receive the aid of specially trained staff members, with a 1:2 or 1:3 staff-to-participant ratio. Focus includes:
- Developing strong life, academic, and leadership skills
- Increasing participants’ knowledge about and commitment to Judaism and Israel
- Strengthening participants’ Jewish identity
- Helping participants form meaningful bonds
This program has given my son a better sense of what it means to be not only part of the Jewish community, but an active member in that community.
Apply Now for Nativ Gap Year Program - Spend a Year in Israel
96%
of alumni go on to become involved with at least one Jewish organization on campus
78%
of alumni seek and hold leadership positions in Jewish organizations on college campuses
91%
of alumni separate Shabbat from the rest of the week in some way
91%
of alumni believe Nativ prepared them for life on their college campus