AJWS Volunteer Summer is a program of service, study and personal growth for Jewish young adults between the ages of 16 and 24. Participants pursue justice in solidarity with AJWS partner non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the developing world, promote social change in their home communities and explore the relationship between social justice, service and Judaism.

The program begins with a seven-week summer experience in a rural area of Africa, Asia or the Americas. In collaboration with local grassroots NGOs, participants work side-by-side with community members on projects that help build infrastructure and sustainability, like laying irrigation systems, building schools and community centers and planting trees or crops. As part of this service-learning experience, the group gathers each day to study social justice and international development-related topics through a Jewish lens. At the end of each week, the group plans and celebrates a pluralistic Shabbat together, creating additional time for growth and reflection.

In 2011, Volunteer Summer will take place in Uganda, India and Peru for college-aged participants, and in Ghana for high school-aged participants.

After the summer overseas, participants return to their communities inspired by what they have seen and accomplished, and prepared to advocate for social change at home. The program continues throughout the year with retreats and opportunities for public speaking, writing, advocacy and volunteer service to keep activism alive at home and on campus.

The application deadline for 2011 is February 9, 2011.