The largest Jewish campus organization in the world, Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life provides opportunities for Jewish students at more than 500 colleges and universities to explore and celebrate their Jewish identity through its global network of regional centers, campus Foundations and Hillel student organizations. Hillel is working to provoke a renaissance of Jewish life.

Hillel's mission is to enrich the lives of Jewish undergraduate and graduate students so that they may enrich the Jewish people and the world. Hillel student leaders, professionals and lay leaders are dedicated to creating a pluralistic, welcoming and inclusive environment for Jewish college students, where they are encouraged to grow intellectually, spiritually and socially. Hillel helps students find a balance in being distinctively Jewish and universally human by encouraging them to pursue tzedek (social justice), tikkun olam (repairing the world) and Jewish learning, and to support Israel and global Jewish peoplehood. Hillel is committed to excellence, innovation, accountability and results.

Since 1923, Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life has contributed to the success of the Jewish community by creating welcoming campus environments in which Jewish students can pursue the dream of higher education. Today, Hillel is the largest Jewish campus organization in the world.

WHAT IS HILLEL'S VISION?

Hillel seeks to inspire every Jewish student to make an enduring commitment to Jewish life.

WHAT IS HILLEL'S MISSION?

Hillel's mission is to enrich the lives of Jewish undergraduate and graduate students so that they may enrich the Jewish people and the world.

WHAT ARE HILLEL'S VALUES?

Hillel pursues its mission by: Creating a pluralistic, welcoming and inclusive environment; Fostering student growth and the balance in being distinctively Jewish and universally human; Pursuing tzedek (social justice), tikkun olam (repairing the world) and Jewish learning; Supporting Israel and global Jewish peoplehood; A commitment to excellence, innovation, accountability and results.

WHY IS HILLEL IMPORTANT TO THE JEWISH COMMUNITY?

It is estimated that 85 percent of college-age Jews --approximately 350,000 individuals -- attend some form of institution of higher education every year. The Jewish community believes that the college years offer the last opportunity to provide Jewish content to young people before they disperse to the working world. Most of these students know little of their Jewish heritage. Hillel provides Jewish content at a time when young people are searching for meaning in their lives and are in danger of assimilating into the community around them.

HOW IS HILLEL STRUCTURED?

Any Jewish student may participate in Hillel -- no membership is required. Hillel is proud to support 251 affiliated Foundations, Program Centers and Jewish Student Organizations that serve students at 513 campuses throughout the United States and Canada. Hillel foundations are also located in Israel, South America, and the republics of the former Soviet Union. Hillel affiliates are found in Australia and the United Kingdom. Hillel's Charles and Lynn Schusterman International Center helps local groups in the areas of institutional advancement, strategic planning, leadership development, fundraising, human resources, fiscal administration, student programming and communications. Hillel ensures high operating standards through ongoing review, consultation and accreditation. Hillel's estimated annual budget for all international operations is $66 million. Hillel is a recipient of funds from the National Federation/Agency Alliance through its supporting federations and United Jewish Communities.

WHO ARE HILLEL'S LEADERS?

Hillel is supported by individual benefactors and foundations, as well as by Jewish federations and international organizations. The Hillel Board of Directors, chaired by Julian Sandler of Dix Hills, New York, sets Hillel policy. Members of the board include volunteer and student leaders from North America and abroad. The Hillel International Board of Governors provides counsel to the Board of Directors. The chairman of the Board of Governors is Edgar M. Bronfman of New York, NY, and co-chairs are Lynn Schusterman of Tulsa, OK, and Michael Steinhardt of New York, NY. Wayne L. Firestone is president.