Parent Perspectives

Not just a place to land: a place from which to soar

High school enabled your teen to get into college, but who is on your team for the next steps of their journey to adulthood? To continue to take responsibility for themselves, to develop empathy for others, to find their place in the world and contribute to it meaningfully?

Josh and I attribute so much of our daughters’ confidence and readiness for college to all that they gained from Tivnu. In addition to the openness – to people, opportunities, experiences, and Judaism – and sense of community that they and their cohorts experienced with Tivnu, I think the program provided them with a sense of belonging in the world and an attitude of grace in how they approach new experiences.

— Jodi S.

Parent of 2 Tivnuniks (so far)

My daughter had an incredible experience that has no doubt shifted her view of the world, and has come away with a myriad of skills she will benefit from for a lifetime, as well as lifelong friends. We are very grateful for all of that.

— Cynthia G.

Parent of one of three Hannahs in Cohort 7

A parent’s-eye view

Tivnu is a chance for young adults to spread their wings in a way that isn’t easy in a freshman dorm. Tivnu integrates hands-on work experience with the satisfaction of making a real difference in people’s lives. We combine training in life-skills like mediating conflict and managing the responsibilities of day-to-day life with an expanded understanding of the large-scale challenges we face as a society and world. And we are guided on that journey toward purpose and awareness by our commitment to the Jewish heritage in its full range of expression. That means a commitment to our neighbors. To our wider society. And to our young adults on Tivnu, too.

Why I’m Jealous of My Son:

Guest Post from a Tivnu Parent

By Beth “Missie” Polasky

This might sound terrible, but I’m jealous of my son. Nadav, 19, is part of the current Tivnu cohort (affectionately known as the Tivnoodles) and is having a wonderful year. But enough about him (!) – this is about me, and my jealousy.

Real life impact: what colleges and gap year alumni know

A gap year like Tivnu: Building Justice is more than a nice way to take "a year off." It's a year of unmatched growth and inspiration that enhances college and career.

Colleges from local state schools to Ivy League powerhouses understand the impact of doing a gap year. A shocking number of students drop out or transfer before they graduate before they ever figure out what they want out of college in the first place. But students who come from a gap year like Tivnu hit the ground running, with a vision of their future and the skills to make it happen.

College is expensive. Tivnu helps make sure that tuition money is well spent.

Frequently Asked Questions

WILL THERE BE ADULT SUPERVISION ON SITE?

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE COLLEGES TIVNU PARTICIPANTS GO TO?

Liberal arts colleges, like: Brandeis, Lewis and Clark, Mt. Holyoke, Muhlenberg, and Oberlin

National universities, like: Brown, Cornell, American, Harvard, and Johns Hopkins

State schools like: UCLA, Pittsburgh, University of Delaware, and UNC Chapel Hill

Engineering schools and technical colleges like: Colorado School of Mines, Cal Poly SLO, Bel-Rea Veterinary Institute, and Worcester Polytechnic

HOW MUCH DOES THE PROGRAM COST?

Tuition information can be found here. Financial aid is available; over 50% of past participants have received some assistance. Since our founding, Tivnu has been able to make our program accessible to every qualified applicant, regardless of their financial situation. Please do not let the cost of the program keep you from applying. If you would like to talk with us about financial assistance, please reach out to Steve Eisenbach-Budner, our Executive Director, at steve@tivnu.org