Our Impact

Life-Changing Impact

Nearly 90% of all American Jews go to college – at a time in their lives when they are setting the patterns for their adult lives. Hillel of San Diego is the only Jewish college organization poised to engage the majority of the 2,000 university-age Jews in San Diego.

A student’s involvement with Hillel is one of the strongest predictors of future Jewish leadership. According to a 2010 study by the Avi Chai Foundation, it is a stronger predictor than Jewish day school enrollment, Jewish camp experiences or membership in a Jewish youth group. As the leading authority on Jewish campus life, Hillel reaches, engages and equips tomorrow’s leaders today.

More than 700 individuals invest annually in Hillel of San Diego to provide hundreds of activities that meaningfully engage Jewish college students at SDSU, UCSD, USD and CSUSM. Hillel encourages students of all backgrounds to form deep, personal connections to Jewish life, learning and Israel, through Jewish exploration, leadership and a sense of belonging. Hillel provides critical opportunities for students to build lifelong connections — to Jewish life, to each other and the broader Jewish community.

Hillel has given me an amazing opportunity to connect with other Jewish college students as well as the kind of mentorship that helped me make important life choices. Honestly, our Monday night Jewish Learning Fellowship sessions were the highlight of my week. Now, in this time of isolation, I recognize that my connection with Hillel friends and mentors is what keeps me going. I can’t thank Hillel enough for giving me a group of dedicated Jewish students I now call my community.
Kaz Nuckowski
Student, UC San Diego
My son just graduated from SDSU. During his time away from home I was so grateful he had a place to go where he would feel a part of the Jewish community and be able to partake in holidays and events that make being Jewish so wonderful. It was comforting to know that your organization was a place he could turn to for friendship, connections, traditions, and for some good food! Your organization is truly dedicated to making an impact on students and I know my son has come away with friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.
Esther Sjodin
Parent of SDSU Alum
Students we are in contact with
72%
Students engaged last year at least once
42%
Students engaged last year in 6+ or high-impact experiences
30%
Jewish College Students in San Diego
0
Hillel helped to establish my identity as a Jewish young adult and to discover that I will always be happiest when I am surrounded by people who share Jewish values.
Sheryl Warfield
Alumna, SDSU

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