Growth in your professional field of interest; growth in your torah learning; a social network; meeting students from across the United States, Canada, and England with the name values and goals for the summer.

• Housing (including WiFi, AC, laundry facility, and kitchen)
• Health insurance
• Professional and personalized internship placement 4-5 days per week in the field of your choice
• Educational staff and programming
• Trips exploring Israel
• Shabbat Meals and Programming
•  Occasional weeknight dinners
• Rav Kav – Bus pass to get around Jerusalem

This Birthright Israel Onward program is operated through the philanthropic support of leading North American Foundations through the Birthright Israel Foundation, the Government of Israel and the Jewish Agency, along with Orthodox Union – JLIC. It is organized by Orthodox Union – JLIC.

ASCEND Program Tracks- Ascend offers 2 different learning tracks to cater towards our 2 different populations. Program tracks under the ASCEND program are geared towards creating a space for students to connect with their peers in a more intimate environment. While much of the program is together, the tracks allow for students to participate in Torah learning and programming that is created specifically for their program track.

General ASCEND College track- The General ASCEND learning track will consist of college students from around the world who did not spend a gap year in Israel. The learning will be very hands-on, allowing for students to ask questions and explore their Judaism in a spiritual and experiential way. You will meet students from many different campuses, allowing you to expand your network and form connections with like-minded students. The various trips and programming will have you walking away with lasting friendships. If you are looking for a memorable, impactful and life changing experience in Jerusalem this summer, this track is a good fit.

Post High School Track- If you are currently a high school senior and are not planning to spend a gap-year in Israel, this track is for YOU! The post-high-school track was created to give rising college first-years the opportunity to connect with Israel and Judaism on a deeper level, expand their professional networks, and build lasting friendships. Through trips, internships, Shabbatons, Torah study, and group activities, you will explore the land of Israel and your personal Jewish identity, and will walk away feeling empowered to take those connections and relationships with you to your college campus.

$1500

Participants will be required to submit a $400 security deposit in advance via credit card. Charges will not be made if participants complete the program in good standing.

*Scholarships to help offset the program cost may be available to for those who need additional assistance and meet Birthright Israel Onward’s eligibility criteria. For more information, contact Birthright Israel Onward or your local partner professional.

Participants are responsible for the cost of flights, food, and phone coverage. To learn about this and other Birthright Israel Onward program details, please visit our FAQ.

*Participants are encouraged to purchase flights with a good refund policy or flight insurance. Birthright Israel Onward is not responsible for the cost of flights should the program be cancelled. Note, participants will be given their expected address approximately two weeks before the program begins, if not earlier.

Apartment, hostel, or dorm-style housing in Jerusalem

The number of participants to an apartment or room is dependent on the size of the accommodations and number of participants on the program. Though Birthright Israel Onward housing can vary from program to program, all housing units meet Birthright Israel Onward standards.

• Applicants must be high school graduates
• Must be Jewish.
• Applicants must NOT have spent 3 or more consecutive months in Israel after high school, or participated in a Birthright Israel Onward program or any other mid-term or long-term educational program in Israel.
• Fluent in English
• Have a valid Passport for at least 6 months after the program end date
• Please note: If you wish to participate in a 10-day Birthright Israel trip, consider doing so prior to an Onward program. You will not be able to participate on Birthright Israel trip after participating on Onward.

• Must meet Masa Israel Journey Eligibility criteria, including not having received Masa funding towards participation on a previous program.

To review eligibility – click here.

• Marketing
• Business development
• Law related internship
• Nonprofit
• Education
• Finance
• Startup
• Medicinal related internship
• Working with vulnerable populations
• Sustainability

*internship opportunities will depend highly on past experience and resume of each individual participant.

Not sure what type of internship you are looking for or unsure if you can find it in Israel? Our internship coordinators work one-on-one with each participant!

Applicants interested in internships in the fields of STEM, Finance, Law, and Medicine please click here for some important information regarding placements

Sarah Smart
Sarahsmart@oujlicsummer.org or visit oujlicsummer.org