Building the Future of Jewish Life on Campus at the BBYO International Convention
Every year, thousands of Jewish college students step onto campus for the first time already knowing that Hillel is waiting to welcome them into a warm, thriving Jewish community. That’s because Hillel is there to support first-year college students long before orientation — including by meeting them in their current communities.
At this year’s BBYO International Convention (IC) in Philadelphia, Hillel International staff joined more than 3,500 Jewish high school students from 60+ countries who came to hear from and meet inspiring speakers, deepen their leadership skills, serve the local community, celebrate Shabbat and learn together, enjoy exclusive music performances, and do their part to strengthen the Jewish future.
“While at IC last week, it was great to see the awesome Jewish joy and pride on display,” said Hillel International President and CEO Adam Lehman. “And, based on our deep Hillel partnership with BBYO, I’m glad our teams had the opportunity to help the young leaders at IC chart their paths from high school to Hillel, where they’ll continue their Jewish and leadership journeys.”
In fact, the Hillel International team met hundreds of students, shared what they love about Hillel, and introduced them to all of the Hillel resources for their college search journey. Students learned about the Virtual College Prep Series, scholarships for incoming students, and our College Decision Hub. And, in addition to gifting custom sweatshirts, Hillel International sponsored a headshot booth and launched the 2026 Graduation Giveaway to connect high school seniors with their soon-to-be campus Hillels.
“I’m so glad that when I get to college, there’s going to be another Jewish organization for me to get involved with,” said Koby, a rising high school senior. “The community aspect of Jewish life is so important to me, and the idea that it will continue in college makes me feel even more excited about my future.”
“We’re grateful to be a part of BBYO IC and to experience such an inspiring, high energy vibe while connecting with Jewish high school students from around the world,” added Kari Exler, Hillel International’s senior manager for high school and teen marketing. “It’s the first step in supporting them from high school through college and beyond.”
“We the Future” was the theme of this year’s convention, and the topic was front and center for student participants, as well as staff, speakers, and session facilitators. Over the course of the four-day convention, teens moved from conversation into action, learning how to listen across differences, lead with courage, and participate meaningfully in civic life.
“Coming from a town with a smaller Jewish population, IC gives me an opportunity to feel seen and understood religiously,” said Hannah, a student from the BBYO Liberty Region. “As a sophomore beginning to embark on the college decision process, I went to the Hillel table, and I was so excited to learn more about what Hillel does.”
Anna, a senior from BBYO’s Keystone Mountain Region, shared the experience of being one of few Jewish students in her community, and feeling especially grateful for the connection she’s found at BBYO — and her excitement for what Jewish life in college could look like.
“Celebrating Shabbat with nearly four thousand other Jewish teens reminded me how large our movement is and the support system I have,” she said. “As I graduate from high school and leave BBYO, I’m eager to stay active in Jewish life through opportunities like Hillel, and I’m grateful to know I have such a wonderful community to back me up!”
Check out Hillel International’s College Decision Hub and find a Hillel on a campus that you’re exploring.