Volunteer Summer
Serve. Learn. Build. Connect. Ghana, Uganda and India.
AJWS Volunteer Summer is a program of service, study and personal growth for Jewish young adults between the ages of 16 and 24. Participants pursue justice in solidarity with AJWS partner non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the developing world, promote social change in their home communities and explore the relationship between social justice, volunteer service and Judaism.
Application Deadline
AJWS Volunteer Summer is accepting applications on a rolling basis for our college-aged programs to Uganda and India. Placements are still available, please submit your application as soon as possible to be considered for the program.
We are no longer accepting applications for the high school program to Ghana.
If you experience any difficulty completing or submitting your online application please contact Rachel Profeta at 212.792.2918.
Program Dates
The program runs from June 17 to August 10, 2012.
Orientation will be in New York City from June 17 to June 19, with participants leaving for their country of service on June 19. Participants will return to the United States August 7 for a three day training that runs through August 10. The second training will take place in February/March 2013.
Program Locations
Ghana, Uganda and India.
Volunteer Summer high school students will travel to Ghana. Volunteer Summer college students will travel to Uganda, or India. The first training will take place in Connecticut. The second training will take place in Washington, DC.
Volunteer Summer begins with a seven-week volunteer experience abroad in a rural area of Africa, Asia or the Americas. In collaboration with local grassroots NGOs, participants:
- Work side-by-side with community members on projects that help build infrastructure and sustainability, like laying irrigation systems, building schools and community centers and planting trees or crops.
- Study social justice and international development-related topics through a Jewish lens.
- Celebrate a pluralistic Shabbat together, creating additional time for growth and reflection.
After the summer overseas, participants return to their communities inspired by what they have seen and accomplished, and prepared to advocate for social change at home. The program continues throughout the year with trainings and opportunities for public speaking, writing, advocacy and volunteer service to keep activism alive at home and on campus.
Information Sessions
Click here to view the information session for AJWS Volunteer Summer. All applicants must view the presentation as part of the application process.
More Information
For more information about volunteering through AJWS, please contact us at volunteer@ajws.org or 212.792.2888.
Volunteer Testimonial
Rebecca Paradvolunteered abroad in India and shares how her experience influenced her career aspirations and changed her perspective on health care.
AJWS Volunteer Summer is generously supported by Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, The Jacob and Hilda Blaustein Foundation, Dorot Foundation, Joyce and Irving Goldman Family Foundation, Gottesman Fund, Morningstar Foundation, Repair the World, and Sarlo Foundation.
