Faq's

JSU is a national network of 500+ clubs in high schools across North America, impacting 20,000 teens every year. 

If you are a high school student who is looking for a welcoming, vibrant, and social community to connect with Jewish peers and fellow students, learn about Jewish culture and history, and discover fun and meaningful experiences, then JSU is the place for you.

With a host of programs and activities, JSU has something for everyone, and we are always excited to welcome in new teens.

When you come to JSU, you will:

• • Join a welcoming community of Jewish teens
  • Explore Jewish culture, history, and identity
  • Discover fun, exciting, and meaningful experiences
  • Empower yourself with Jewish pride

JSU is your space to connect, explore, and discover.

JSU actively welcomes and accepts Jewish teens of all backgrounds and affiliations, fostering an inclusive and open community. We accept students regardless of their Jewish practice and equally encourage them to participate in our programming and activities, including leadership positions. JSU also promotes and encourages teens to actively partake in its Jewish activities and programming — whether “cultural” or “religious” — while being mindful and respectful of teens’ personal practice and expectations.

JSU is constantly creating meaningful opportunities for teens to grow as leaders, both inside and outside of school. Two of our flagship programs are the JSU Leadership Institute (JSU-LI) and the annual Presidents Conference.

JSU-LI unites exceptional Jewish teens into a fellowship of changemakers dedicated to shaping their future, their communities, and the world. Admission is highly selective—reserved for the top 2% of students in the JSU network. Fellows gain hands-on leadership experience and strengthen their skills through mentorship and Jewish learning. By creating and leading weekly educational programs that are engaging, immersive, and accessible, this global cohort inspires peers and brings Jewish values to life. Apply at https://jsu.org/jsuliapply

The Presidents Conference gathers JSU club presidents and leaders from across the U.S. and Canada for two powerful days of leadership training, skill-building, and deep engagement with pressing Jewish issues. Participants return to their schools with the tools, strategies, and inspiration to lead their JSU clubs toward a year of impact and success. Sign up at https://jsu.org/pc/ 

You can find JSU clubs thriving across 26 states — search for yours here. If there isn’t one near you now, then you can start a JSU club of your own! To learn more about that, fill out the form here.

JSU is a program of NCSY, the youth movement of the Orthodox Union.