Going Beyond the Classroom
The impact of a Student to Student (STS) presentation goes well beyond the classroom and the school day. After engaging with STS Teen Ambassadors, high school students better understand Jews and Judaism, have increased awareness of religious and cultural differences and commonalities, and gain a greater desire to interrupt antisemitic comments and stereotypes when they hear them inside and outside a school setting.
83% of teachers strongly agree that Student to Student presentations
break down stereotypes and effectively engage their students.
94% of teachers report that students continue to discuss what they learned from Student to Student presentations in their classrooms afterward.
Data source: 2019 report conducted by LS Associates, available upon request.
84% of students report that they have shared what they learned or have taken another step to learn more about Judaism. 27% say that they have interrupted an antisemitic comment.
78% of teachers believe that Student to Student presentations helped to counter antisemitism in their schools.
Originally created by Be the Narrative, a national nonprofit organization, STS has been operating for over 30 years and has been validated through independent research to change the lives of both Jewish and non-Jewish teens. By building bridges of understanding and appreciation between faiths, STS aims to disrupt patterns of ignorance and hatred that lead to antisemitism.
“They were phenomenal! The students were so relatable, so passionate, they were confident, and they had such clever approaches to engaging students. I really appreciated how they first taught about Judaism, and then addressed the Holocaust and anti-Semitism after teaching about their culture. It prioritizes that Judaism is a rich culture existing today, and not, as was stated, something to simply see through the eyes of the Holocaust or history books.”
- Student to Student Participating Teacher
“Overall, I think this is an excellent program that can do more for tolerance and understanding than any curriculum I could potentially teach.”
- Student to Student Participating Teacher
“It is through programs such as this that our communities learn to understand each other so that we can live in mutual respect and peace.”
– Student to Student Participating Teacher
“I always leave presentations with an incredible sense of accomplishment, realizing that through this program, I really could change some of the problems in the world today.”
– Student to Student Presenter
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the Student to Student?
Jewish students attending private and public schools in San Diego County who will be in grades 9th – 12th grade during the 2024-2025 school year are eligible to apply. Students do not have to be affiliated with a Jewish organization, congregation or denomination.
How much time is required for this program?
This program makes a big impact with a minimal time commitment from student participants. Students will meet for a one-day orientation session in late summer (currently scheduled for Sunday, August 25th). We will also be having regularly scheduled social and educational gatherings throughout the semester to increase our sense of community and our knowledge base around the topics we present about. Students can expect to leave school to present at least 1-2 times a semester. All time spent on the Student To Student program qualifies for community service hours.
How many students can participate in the program this year?
We are seeking to form a cohort of at least 50 students, as we’ve had this prior year. Ideally students in our cohort will represent a diversity of religious denominations and affiliations.
Who gives the presentations?
Each presentation is given by a group of three or four students. Each group ideally includes students involved with the Reconstructionist, Reform, Conservative, and Orthodox branches of Judaism.
Where are presentations given?
STS participants make presentations in public and private middle and high schools in classes that focus on world history, literature classes, ethnic studies, ancient civilizations, human geography, and comparative religions; to name a few.
What do presentations consist of?
Presenters discuss a range of topics, including any or all of the following:
- A description of the branches of Judaism
- Who are the Jewish people
- The Jewish life cycle from birth to Bar/Bat Mitzvah to marriage to death
- The Sabbath
- Antisemitism and the Holocaust
- Israel
- The Hebrew language
- Jewish dietary practices
- The Jewish calendar, including holidays
Groups bring a variety of “props” into the classroom that help make their presentations come alive for their peers, including challah, a shofar, Shabbat candlesticks, personal pieces of Judaica and more. The group encourages their fellow students to ask questions. The subsequent discussions are a vital element of the program.
How do students prepare for presentations?
Students will meet for an orientation session in late summer. Materials will be provided and support given to help the students prepare. Because so much of these presentations reflect students’ personal experiences, they will come into the program with much of the expertise they need to give effective presentations. You will practice as a group to ensure you feel confident in your presentation skills and material you are presenting about.
How many presentations do students give?
We expect all students to give a minimum of 1-2 site visit presentations per a semester.
When do presentations take place?
Presentations take place during the school day. Students are provided with letters for their school to excuse their absence. If a student is unable to drive or get a ride to the presentation, we can help to coordinate rides to and from the presentations.