JCC Teens Leadership
Light The Way!
We provide opportunities for teens to develop as leaders through programs such as Diller Teen Fellows and learn-on-the-job experiences such as The Peer Engagement Internship.
Caplan Lieber Scholarship Award
The JCC is proud to serve as an implementing partner of the Caplan-Lieber Human Relations Award of the Pittsburgh Area Jewish Committee Donor Advised Fund. The Award is presented to one high school student in Western Pennsylvania who has shown initiative and leadership in combating prejudice and fostering good relations between diverse groups within the school environment and/or community.
THE PEER ENGAGEMENT INTERNSHIP
Build Relationships – Connect to Jewish Life – Create Meaningful Jewish Opportunities
About the Peer Engagement Internship
The Peer Engagement Internship is a 10-month paid internship for teens through The Second Floor at the JCC. Interns serve as connectors and builders of Jewish life in Pittsburgh, utilizing their own social networks and creating relationships with Jewish students across the community. Interns attend monthly skill-building workshops and create their own teen-led programs to welcome their peers to The Second Floor space.
Interested students must be in grades 10-12 and over the age of 16 to apply. All First-Year Peer Engagement Interns will be paid at a rate of $9/hour and Returning Interns will be paid at a rate of $10/hour for the 2023-2024 school year.
Internship Tracks
This year, the second floor is excited to announce that we are offering new peer engagement internship tracks! Brief descriptions of these tracks are below but we are happy to answer any questions you might have on the roles/responsibilities!
Jewish Enrichment
Jewish Enrichment PEIs will work with JCC/The Second Floor staff to plan and facilitate Jewish programming on The Second Floor. These PEIs will assist with holiday event planning, shabbat programming, Nazun (aka Challah for Hunger), and more.
Tikkun Olam
Tikkun Olam PEIs will work with JCC/The Second Floor Staff to create, facilitate, and promote new and engaging service opportunities for teens. These PEIs will work with our new Tikkun Olam Club to help put together monthly service opportunities. Additionally, these PEIs will work with the J-Serve Steering Committee throughout the year and play a hands-on role in the planning process.
Middle School Engagement
Middle School Engagement PEIs will work with JCC/The Second Floor Staff to help build connections with 6-8th graders to provide more specific programming opportunities for Middle Schoolers and ensure they have a smooth transition into our HS-aged programming when the time comes. Middle School Engagement PEIs will also have the opportunity to network and engage with local middle schools to build connections with The Second Floor.
Sports and Fitness
Sports and Fitness PEIs will work with JCC/The Second Floor Staff to spearhead our new JCC Teen Sports + Fitness Committee from a teen perspective. These PEIs will help guide conversations around sports, athletics, and fitness programs at the JCC as well as have the opportunity to plan larger sports and fitness themed events such as speakers, sports competitions, etc.
Social Programming
Social Programming PEIs will work with JCC/The Second Floor Staff to plan and facilitate social programs on The Second Floor. These may include pop-up experiences, half-day activities, Friendsgiving, midterm/finals weeks, and more.
Israel Engagement
Israel Engagement PEIs will work with JCC/The Second Floor Staff to create and lead initiatives, events, and programs around Israeli culture, history, etc. These PEIs will also have the opportunity to work closely with the Shinshinim to have them involved in Israel-based programming on The Second Floor.
Arts and Culture
Arts and Culture PEIs will work with JCC/The Second Floor Staff to create, support, and facilitate arts and culture based programming with teens. These programs may include Crafting and Jewish Spirituality, Middle and High School Musicals, Cricut Club, and more.
Intern Expectations
All interns are expected to:
- Attend mandatory monthly meetings and trainings
- Connect their peers to opportunities that match their interests
- Identify trends and gaps in engagement opportunities
- Engage with teens in the space during working hours
- Represent the Peer
- Engagement Intern brand, and promote
- The Second Floor programming and events during and outside working hours
- Utilize staff resources to fulfill job requirements to best of their ability
- Have a fun, outgoing, and friendly attitude!
Registration
Prerequisites: Interested students must be in grades 10-12 and over the age of 16 to apply.
Cost: All First-Year Peer Engagement Interns will be paid at a rate of $9/hour and Returning Interns will be paid at a rate of $10/hour for the 2023-2024 school year.
Contact: Email Rebecca Kahn.
Peer Engagement Internship (PEI) Application 2023-2024 are now open!
Diller Teen Fellows
A Year To Impact A Lifetime. 32 Communities, 7 Countries, 1 Global Jewish Community.
Applications for the upcoming cohort of the Pittsburgh Diller Teen Fellowship will reopen in Spring 2025.
About Diller Teen Fellows
This is the Diller Teen Fellowship: A year where Fellows become stronger and more rooted in their Jewish identities, empowered leaders, and activated leaders of Tikkun Olam and social justice initiatives.
The Diller Teen Fellows program consists of once-to-twice a month Sunday workshops, four overnight Shabbatonim (Shabbat weekend retreats) and a 3-week transformative trip to Israel in the Summer.
The Diller Teen Fellowship is open to Jewish high schoolers in 10th and 11th grades. We encourage Jews from all backgrounds to apply; whether you keep kosher or love bacon, whether you speak Hebrew or have never been to synagogue or been to Israel — you are Jewish enough for Diller.
Scholarships are available.
Is the Diller Fellows Program for Me?
We encourage people to apply from all races, socio-economic backgrounds, sexual and gender identities, and ranges of Jewish practice and belief.
As long as you are interested in talking about how your Jewish identity impacts (or doesn’t impact!) your life, meeting new friends, and passionate about social justice and becoming a leader – Diller might be right for you!
Activities
As part of the prestigious and global Diller International Teen Fellows program, you will experience:
- Twelve Sunday experiences focused on helping you become the best leader you can be
- Four Weekend Retreats (Shabbatonim) where you will connect with your cohort, learn how Jewish traditions may or may not be helpful for you and the importance of Jewish peoplehood
- Service experiences and social justice – make a difference in YOUR community!
Want to know what its like?
Read our blog about the Diller Teen Fellows’ 2023 annual Jewish Community Mifgash (JCM) here.
Contact:
Fellow Testimonials
Photo Gallery
Contact Us
Write to us. We’re here to help!
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