Grant strengthens Jewish student life on SUNY New Paltz campus

NEW PALTZ — Jewish student life at the State University of New York at New Paltz will get a boost this spring with help from a $5,000 strategic grant from Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life.

New Paltz is one of only eight campuses nationwide to be selected for Hillel’s Soref Advancement Initiative (SAI), an intensive program that helps Hillels on campuses with emerging Jewish populations strengthen their existing programs and plan for future growth and development.

Representatives from New Paltz joined students and Hillel advisors from Bowdoin College, Butler University, CUNY City College, Colorado College, Louisiana State University, the University of San Diego and the University of Toledo at a two-day seminar in Washington, D.C., last March to undergo skills training, network with one another and set goals for the upcoming year.

After returning to campus, the participants will continue to share ideas and consult with Hillel professionals through regular conference calls, listservs, Web-based seminars and on-site and telephone consultations.

Hillel at New Paltz represents a significant partnership, including the Jewish Federations of Ulster County, Orange County and Dutchess County. These three federations are represented on the SUNY New Paltz Hillel advisory board, and provide ongoing assistance and financial support.

In addition to the $5,000 grant, Jewish students at SAI campuses will also benefit from special funding that allows them to attend student leadership programs.

The largest Jewish campus organization in the world, Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life seeks to inspire every Jewish student to make an enduring commitment to Jewish life through its network of more than 500 campus foundations, program centers and affiliates.