The Peter & Elaine Chortek BRIDGE Initiative

Global Ambassador Program

A once-in-a-lifetime exchange that builds Jewish peoplehood across the globe.

The Global Ambassador Program (GAP) offers Jewish teens a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to connect with their peers from global Jewish communities. Whether traveling abroad to explore another Jewish community or hosting an exchange here in San Diego, teens learn about each other's cultures, create long-lasting friendships, and strengthen their sense of shared responsibility and Jewish peoplehood.

Past trips have taken San Diego teens to Sofia, Bulgaria; Budapest, Hungary; and Mexico City, Mexico. GAP is open to Jewish teens entering 11th or 12th grade and is highly subsidized by Jewish Federation of San Diego, with a very limited number of spots each year.

"My biggest takeaway was how Jewish teens like me have such a different way of practicing and interpreting Judaism. It was incredible to experience Jewish life in a foreign country, like Shabbat, with Jewish teens that were just like me from two other countries."— GAP participant

Supported by the Peter and Elaine Chortek BRIDGE Initiative.

Teen Experience Grants

Grants that make immersive Jewish experiences accessible to every San Diego teen.

Multi-day experiences — retreats, conferences, and trips where teens wake up surrounded by their peers, share meals, and learn together over several days — deepen Jewish identity, friendships, and community. In fact, 90% of college students who took part in a teen immersive experience go on to stay involved in Jewish life on campus.

Federation's Teen Immersive Experience Grants help cover the cost of 2+ night Jewish retreats, conferences, and trips outside San Diego County:

• $72 · 2–4 nights
• $180 · 5–7 nights
• $360 · 8–12 nights
• $540 · 12+ nights

Who's eligible: San Diego Jewish teens in grades 6–12, registered for an approved 2+ night experience (proof of enrollment required), as a first-time recipient in the academic year.

Not covered: sleep-away camp (see One Happy Camper) or Israel trips booked through a San Diego organization, which are already subsidized. Apply with proof of enrollment at least one month before departure; grants are first-come, first-served until funds run out.

Planning a trip to Israel? Teens can also apply for a voucher toward the cost through RootOne.

Questions? Julie Gordon, Community Planning Manager — julieg@jewishinsandiego.org

Supported by the Peter and Elaine Chortek BRIDGE Initiative.