(JNS) In a first-of-its-kind partnership, Hillel International, the largest Jewish campus organization, and BBYO, the Jewish teen movement, are connecting graduating high school seniors with current college students for virtual campus visits and question-and-answer sessions so prospective and accepted students can get to know the cam-pus communities they are considering joining. Many of these campus visits are also open to parents and high school juniors.

“In this time of uncertainty and fear, one of the most important things we can do for the class of 2024 is to give them a chance to meet and hear from members of campus communities,” said Mimi Kravetz, chief experience officer at Hillel International. “Working together with BBYO allows us to create real, personal connections for teens as they become a part of Hillel. Necessity has been the mother of this new approach, but we hope that this partnership creates a pathway for young Jews to move between communities for years to come.”

Rebecca Cohen, director of the Anita M. Perlman Women’s Leadership Initiative at BBYO, said “Partnering with Hillel in this way allows BBYO teens to meet future class-mates, understand what’s waiting for them on campus and ask important questions to help them commit to a college or university.” She added that “these virtual sessions allow for social connection that can last a lifetime.”

What is equally beneficial, say organizers, is the face-to-face meetings that take place online. Ian Hammer, a high school junior from Kansas City and “BBYO On-Demand” editor-in-chief, said, “Many of us planned our spring-break trips around college tours that had to be canceled due to the coronavirus, so this will make up for lost opportunities and give us a glimpse into college life.”

Main Photo via hillel.org