BlueStar, an Israel-advocacy group based in San Francisco, has announced a new three-day program for high school students to visit college campuses and learn about Jewish life there.
The “College Stay” program is set to begin in October with weekend stays at San Diego State University and Stanford University. During the weekend, a high school student will be paired with a Jewish college student, staying in the host’s dorm room.
The aim of the program is to help high school students learn about any anti-Israel sentiment they may meet at college, and how to deal with it. There will also be seminars led by BlueStar teachers.
“Each year, nearly 80,000 Jewish high school graduates enter college, mostly unprepared to deal with the anti-Israel environment on many campuses. Our goal is to change that,” says Jonathan Carey, BlueStar’s executive director. “The experiences and skills students will acquire through the College Stay program will help young Jews start their college education ready to engage in individual and group activities with pro-Israel students.”
The program costs $99, and current BBYO members can get a $50 discount. The cost includes all meals, from Shabbat dinner through Sunday lunch. Registration has begun. Contact Kerri Podlas, BlueStar program manager, at (415) 543-6300 or [email protected].