Unpacked Scholars is a two-year program for high school students exploring Jewish identity, belonging, and their connection to Israel as part of a national network of peers. Participants come from different schools, communities, and backgrounds and learn together how to engage thoughtfully with Jewish life and the complexities of Israel.
Through retreats, seminars, and guided conversations, the Scholars program helps Jewish teens deepen their understanding of who they are, where they come from, and how Israel fits into their Jewish story. The program emphasizes nuance, curiosity, and connection.
At its core, Unpacked Scholars is about connection: connection to self, to peers, and to the broader Jewish people. Participants join a national community that values thoughtful inquiry, meaningful relationships, and the ability to engage with complexity with confidence, empathy, and care.
The Unpacked Scholars program is generously funded by
The Marcus Foundation.
Who should apply?
Unpacked Scholars is a great fit for students who are
- Curious about their Jewish identity and personal story
- Interested in learning about Israel in a thoughtful, nuanced, and honest way
- Open to hearing multiple perspectives and engaging respectfully with complexity
- Excited by meaningful conversations and relationship-building
- Entering 11th or 12th grade in the upcoming school year
- Ready to commit to a two-year cohort experience (for students entering 11th grade)
This program is not about having the “right” views. It’s about showing up curious, engaged, and willing to learn alongside others.
What do participants do?
Participants in the Unpacked Scholars program will take part in
on Jewish identity, Israel, Zionism, culture, and contemporary issues
with students from diverse backgrounds and communities
with a national network of peers
Commitment & expectations
Unpacked Scholars are students who are ready to be all in. Participants are expected to
- Attend two retreats during the year (one local, one national)
- Participate in 3–4 live Zoom sessions spread across the year
- Show up prepared, engaged, and ready to participate
- Contribute thoughtfully to discussions and cohort learning
- Work on a personal project outside of scheduled sessions
It’s a chance to be part of something meaningful, challenging, and deeply connecting.
FAQ for families
FAQ for schools
What is Unpacked Scholars?
Unpacked Scholars is a two-year national cohort program for 11th and 12th grade students focused on Jewish identity, belonging, and nuanced engagement with Israel.
The program combines:
- An in-school two-day retreat
A national two-day retreat in April - 3–4 virtual seminars throughout the year
- A sustained cohort experience and alumni network
The goal is to provide students with space to explore complexity, develop confidence in discussion, and build meaningful peer relationships across schools and communities.
Who is the team behind the Unpacked Scholars program?
The Unpacked Scholars program is led by our Unpacked for Educators team, a group of experienced educators and staff who specialize in navigating complex conversations and are deeply committed to the mission of the program.
How is the program structured?
Each year includes:
In-School Retreat (Two Days)
UED brings a fully designed retreat experience to your campus (or a nearby location). The retreat is discussion-based, experiential, and personalized in coordination with your school calendar.
National Retreat (April)
Students gather with peers from participating schools for a two-day hotel-based retreat focused on deeper learning and national cohort-building.
Ongoing Engagement
Students participate in 3–4 live virtual sessions and complete a guided personal project outside scheduled time.
What do we provide?
For the in-school retreat, we will:
- Design and facilitate all programming
- Provide all curriculum materials
- Send trained educator staff
- Cover all staffing costs
- Offer an optional session for faculty or chaperones
For the national retreat, we will:
- Cover lodging for students and chaperones
- Cover meals and programming
- Manage retreat logistics and facilitation
What is your school responsible for?
Participating schools agree to:
- Commit to the program by March 23, 2026
- Promote program to 11th & 12th graders (April 2026)
- Confirm the student application list. We will share a list of applicants for your review and ask that you flag any concerns or recommendations regarding student fit before we finalize acceptances by May 23, 2026
- Provide space for the in-school retreat
- Designate a School Liaison who will serve as our primary point of contact, supporting logistics for the in-school retreat, helping coordinate session selection, and completing follow-up surveys after both the national and school retreats. Ideally, this person would also attend the national retreat.
- Provide 3- 4 chaperones for the national retreat in April of 2027
- Cover transportation costs to and from the national retreat (If transportation presents financial challenges, schools are encouraged to contact the Program Director.)
What is the application process?
Schools will be provided with a ready-to-send email to distribute to their student body, including a link to the application. This template is fully customizable to suit your school’s tone and community. Students submit their applications directly to us, no further action is required from the school. Once the application window closes, we will review submissions and share a shortlist with the school for final review. Schools are asked to look over the list and note any recommendations or changes before acceptances are confirmed.
What is the deadline for students to apply?
Applications are due May 1, 2026
What is the goal of the Unpacked Scholars program?
The Unpacked Scholars Program is designed to help Jewish teens from different backgrounds explore their Jewish identity and engage with Israel in a thoughtful, nuanced way. The program focuses on connection, curiosity, and critical thinking — not advocacy training or ideological messaging.
Participants learn how to ask good questions, listen to multiple perspectives, and develop their own informed relationship with Jewish life and Israel.
Who is an Unpacked Scholar?
This program is a strong fit for students who are curious, reflective, and interested in meaningful conversations. Students do not need to come in with a specific viewpoint or level of prior knowledge.
The program brings together teens from diverse Jewish backgrounds, schools, and communities who are open to learning from one another.
Is this an advocacy or political program?
No. This is an educational program, not an advocacy initiative.
Participants are not taught what to think. Instead, they are given tools to think critically, understand complexity, and engage thoughtfully with Jewish identity and Israel in a way that is developmentally appropriate and respectful of multiple perspectives.
How does the program approach Israel education?
Israel education in the Unpacked Scholars program is nuanced, contextual, and values-based. It is not built around slogans or talking points. Instead, participants engage through seminars, guided discussions, and experiential education.
Students explore Israeli history, culture, Zionism, and contemporary issues in ways that invite complexity and multiple perspectives. They are encouraged to ask hard questions, wrestle with ideas, and situate Israel within broader conversations about identity, peoplehood, and responsibility.
The goal is not to tell students what to think, but to help them develop their own informed relationship with Israel, one rooted in understanding, empathy, critical thinking, and personal connection.
What does participation involve?
Participants commit to a two-year experience that includes:
- Two retreats per year (one local, one national)
- 3–4 live virtual sessions throughout the year
- Ongoing cohort-based discussions
A personal project completed outside of scheduled sessions
The program is designed to build trust, relationships, and depth over time.
What kind of commitment is expected?
The Unpacked Scholars Program is not a drop-in program. Participants are expected to attend sessions, engage actively, and contribute to the cohort experience.
That said, the program is designed to complement students’ academic and extracurricular commitments, not overwhelm them.
What happens after the two years?
After completing the program, participants become part of a national Unpacked Scholars alumni network that continues to connect students across schools, campuses, and communities.
Who runs and facilitates the program?
All programs are facilitated by experienced Jewish educators trained in discussion-based learning, relationship-building, and nuanced Israel education. Sessions are carefully designed to be inclusive, thoughtful, and developmentally appropriate.
Generously
funded by
