Applications are now being accepted for the annual Teen Israel Leadership Institute scheduled to be held Sunday, Feb. 7 and 14, 1 – 4 p.m.  The 2021conference will be held virtually, as was the fall conference.

The Institute, offered by the Atlanta-based Center for Israel Education (CIE) in partnership with the Emory University Institute for the Study for Modern Israel, enhances Israel knowledge among Jewish teens in grades 10-12 and provides them with valuable skills for sharing that knowledge with others.    

During the workshop, participants will engage in a wide variety of learning activities and experiences. They will also have the opportunity to hear from college students. Once the official program is over, all participants will be required to create an Israel learning program for their community, synagogue or youth group. Projects can vary from a one-time educational program to an ongoing series. Projects can be collaboratively devised. CIE staff will mentor students in the creation and delivery of their projects. Upon completion of this program, participants will receive a CIE Teen Israel Leadership Institute Certificate in Israel Education. 

The November Institute was also held online, owing to the pandemic.

“Teens created new contacts and shared a wide variety of perspectives, making the discussions more varied for everyone,” said CIE Teen Program Manager Michele Freesman.

At the November conference, 41 10th- to 12th-graders from 11 states, as well as Mexico, Paraguay, Panama and England, gathered through Zoom for three hours of learning on two consecutive Sundays. They covered topics ranging from the history of Zionism and the prospects for peace in the 21st century to lessons in Israeli leadership, media coverage of Israel and Israeli politics through music.

The deadline for applications is Jan. 21. Thanks to generous donors, CIE is waiving the $54 registration fee this one time.

For details or to receive an application, visit israeled.org/teens. For additional information contact Freesman at michele.freesman@israeled.org.