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The PREP Fellowship [Pride. Renewal. Education. Purpose.] is designed to equip highschoolers with essential skills for navigating post-high school life. During the seven-month life-skills program, students learn about how to successfully transition to college, the workforce or a gap year. PREP combines a supportive community journey with practical, applicable tools.
Guided by the JCC's LEAP program manager, participants will engage with expert educators and professionals from Bay Area and national partner organizations.
The program is structured around three core themes: wellness, community living and identity resilience/self-advocacy. Students will gain insights into expressing and growing their unique identities (Jewish or otherwise) in various environments, especially when facing potential marginalization or discrimination.
Workshop topics include critical areas such as: navigating difficult conversations, learning to communicate effectively and handle challenging discussions with confidence. Fellows will be certified in mental health first aid, acquiring knowledge about mental health issues and how to support themselves and others. Additionally, the fellowship gives particular attention to understanding and defending against antisemitism, which includes developing strategies to recognize, address and respond to antisemitic encounters and other forms of discrimination.
Participants will gather for ten two-hour workshops typically held bi-weekly on the OFJCC campus (exclusive of winter and spring breaks) and one spring retreat. These sessions provide a mix of theoretical learning and practical application, ensuring students are well-prepared for the diverse challenges of life after high school.
Interested students should reach out to Lara Walklet at [email protected]. The fellowship is for all high school students. Enrollment is currently open and fellows will be admitted on a rolling basis through November 18, 2024. Apply today!
This program features guest speakers from partner organizations such as allcove, JFCS, Shalom Bayit, JCRC, StandWithUS and others.
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| Day |
Date |
Time |
Location/Facilitator |
Workshop
|
| Tuesday |
October 15, 2024 |
6:00–8:00 PM |
OFJCC—PREP Staff |
Initial workshop/team building |
| Tuesday |
October 29, 2024 |
6:00–8:00 PM |
OFJCC—Keshet
|
Inherent bias |
| Tuesday |
November 19, 2024 |
6:00–8:00 PM |
allcove |
Mental health wellbeing workshop |
| Tuesday |
December 10, 2024 |
6:00–8:00 PM |
OFJCC—PREP Staff |
Non-violent communication |
| Tuesday |
January 7, 2025 |
6:00–8:00 PM |
OFJCC—JCRC |
Understanding hatred through the case study of antisemitism |
| Tuesday |
January 21, 2025 |
6:00–8:00 PM |
OFJCC—Shalom Bayit |
Understanding, recognizing and fostering healthy relationships |
| Tuesday |
February 4, 2025 |
6:00–8:00 PM |
OFJCC—Department of Homeland Security/FBI |
Cyber safety and internet extortion awareness |
| Tuesday |
February 25, 2025 |
6:00–8:00 PM |
OFJCC—JCRC |
Social movements, protests and activism on campus |
| Tuesday |
March 18, 2025 |
6:00–8:00 PM |
OFJCC—Impact Bay Area |
Empowerment 101: Self-defense and street smarts workshop |
| Friday–Sunday |
March 21–23, 2025 |
TBD |
Santa Cruz Mountains |
Bay Yachad retreat |
| Tuesday |
April 1, 2025 |
6:00–8:00 PM |
OFJCC—Steve Klebe |
LinkedIn skills |
| Tuesday |
April 22, 2025 |
6:00–8:00 PM |
OFJCC—PREP Staff |
Program wrap up and certificate of completion |
Tuesdays, October 15, October 29, November 19, December 10, 2024; January 7,
January 21, February 4,
February 25, March 18, April 1 (cancelled), April 22, 2025
Friday–Sunday, March 21–23, 2025 (Retreat in Santa Cruz Mountains)
6:00–8:00 PM
Teen Center (Bldg. M), Room M-121
Free | RSVP Required
Contact: Lara Walklet |
[email protected]
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