Eradicating antisemitism begins with education. That’s why The Associated’s Center for Countering Antisemitism and Hate proactively engages teachers and students through workshops and programs that address the real-world impact of antisemitism in today’s society.
Our efforts include community-wide and in-school programming. We also provide high-quality, comprehensive resources for educators, students and community members of all ages and backgrounds that promote understanding and provide tools to effectively counter antisemitism.
Antisemitism often stems from a lack of knowledge and personal connections, which often leads to misperceptions. By putting a human face on Judaism, we can build understanding and develop friendships that allow us to begin to counter hate.
Through the Student to Student program, teen leaders visit local high schools to share their stories about what it means to be Jewish. They talk about Jewish traditions, culture and holidays, helping dismantle stereotypes and build relationships.
The Student to Student program is free to schools. It is designed for classroom settings so that students can ask questions in an open dialogue and safe space. We work with teachers and administrators to enhance the classroom curriculum.
All presentations are held during classroom period or another time specified by the teacher. Our teen ambassadors comprise of teams of usually four students. The students will share their personal narratives, what it’s like to be a Jewish teen and highlight the diversity of the Jewish community. Students may bring props to increase awareness of topics covered (such as challah bread).
Want to join our Student to Student program as a teen ambassador? Join other teenagers and help change perceptions of the Jewish community. Together, you will make a big impact by breaking down cultural barriers, connecting with other Jewish peers and showing your leadership skills. Share your Jewish journey as we help counter antisemitism in schools and help shape students’ views in a positive way.
Jewish students attending private and public schools in Baltimore who will be in 11th – 12th grade during the 2026-27 school year are eligible to apply. Students do not have to be affiliated with a Jewish organization, congregation or denomination.
This program makes a big impact with a minimal time commitment from student participants. Students will meet for a one-day orientation session (specifics will be shared upon acceptance into the program). We will also be having regularly scheduled social and educational gatherings throughout the semester to increase our sense of community and our knowledge base around the topics we present about (dates for these scheduled programs will be shared at orientation). Students can expect to leave school to present at least 1-3 times per semester. All time spent on the Student To Student program qualifies for community service hours.
Each presentation is given by a group of three to five students. Each group will always be accompanied by an Associated professional and/or volunteer. Students have the ability to sign up for presentations depending on their schedules.
Presenters discuss a range of topics, including any or all of the following:
Groups bring a variety of “props” into the classroom that help make their presentations come alive for their peers, including challah, a shofar, Shabbat candlesticks, personal pieces of Judaica and more.
Students will meet for an orientation session. Materials will be provided and support given to help the students prepare. Because these presentations reflect students’ personal experiences, they will come into the program with much of the expertise they need to give effective presentations. You will practice as a group to ensure you feel confident in your presentation skills and material you are presenting about.
Presentations tend to take place during school hours. Presenting students will need to leave school in order to present. Excused absence letters are provided to students from the program director.
Student to Student is the Jewish Federations of North America’s national signature program, with proven success for building understanding between communities, combating misinformation, fighting antisemitism and making Judaism more familiar to students across the country.
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