Cohort 2 Finalists Convene in Atlanta
Five months into the JASA cohort one experience, we have learned a tremendous amount about the qualities that make a JASA cohort participant successful.
Based on these learnings, we created a JASA cohort two finalist conference to provide a path for each finalist organization to demonstrate the potential for after-school success in their community. Starting a Jewish after-school program requires significant effort and support. Setting expectations prior to cohort selection increases the likelihood that the organizations that participate are successful.
Conference Details
On October 17-19, 2023, 11 synagogues from across the U.S. gathered in Atlanta to pursue coveted spots in cohort two of the Jewish After School Accelerator.
The finalists spent three days with the JASA leadership team exploring the elements that come together to create a successful Jewish after-school program. Sessions covered topics including building board support, evaluating local interest and feasibility, customizing curriculum, staffing, and program marketing. To complement the interactive discussions, participants visited two Jewish Kids Groups after-school sites to see the program in action, meet directors, and experience the school pick-up process. At the end of each day, participants connected with one another during two delicious dinners.
Finalists departed the conference with five important tasks to complete by December 1, 2023 to demonstrate Jewish after-school viability in their community. Specifically, finalists will:
Obtain approval from their board to begin a Jewish after-school program and participate in the JASA experience
Obtain contact information from at least 50 families interested in a Jewish after-school program
Commit to raising up to $100,000 to be matched by the JASA program over three years
Determine state licensing or exemption requirements for operating a childcare facility for school-age children
Prepare to hire an after-school director and identify an organizational support team for the new program (marketing, administration, etc.)
Each finalist received substantial resources, templates, and tools to accomplish these five tasks.
Next Steps
JKG’s JASA leadership team will provide support to organizations throughout November and select eight organizations to begin the JASA program in January 2024 and open their own Jewish after-school program in the fall of 2024.
Conference Reflections
Even during this time of fear and uncertainty in the Jewish world, participants left the conference energized by the opportunity to connect with Jewish youth in a new way. Below is some of the feedback we received. Stay tuned for the cohort two announcement in December!
“I was energized by the collaborative spirit and able to imagine this into reality because we talked it through from all of the angles, got to ask tough questions in a supportive atmosphere, and I got to see and experience it operational.”
“The hands-on access during the site visits was amazing. I really enjoyed meeting the other cohort members and I loved being able to brainstorm ways to make this happen in our community while listening to how others are processing the information.”
“There was such clarity in purpose, mission, and goals. The materials provided were extremely helpful (and even when asked to have them in writing, the next day there were notebooks for every participant.) Visits to the two sites gave us different points of view which was essential to understanding the program and engaging with the superb staff. The wisdom gained, the excitement felt of opening our own JKG, and the knowledge gained in how to do this were overwhelmingly positive. Most impressive was the continuous hakarat hatov given by the JKG staff and leadership toward the participants. It felt holy!”
“All of the presentations were very organized and informative. It was wonderful to leave with everything needed to begin working with our community and board.”
“Jewish communal work is my calling, not my job. This experience reminded me that I serve the Jewish people, even though I work for one particular institution.”
