The Jewish Federation of Orange County’s Student-to-Student program was recognized by the Orange County Board of Education for its role in combating antisemitism in local schools. Through peer-led education, the Student-to-Student program has reached nearly 4,000 students this year, helping dispel antisemitic stereotypes, foster empathy and create a more inclusive environment in schools across the California county.
“We are witnessing the alarming normalization of antisemitism in many areas of society, including K-12 education, where bias and misinformation are becoming deeply embedded,” said Erik Ludwig, president and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Orange County. “Our response is multi-pronged, designed to disrupt antisemitic and anti-Israel sentiment at its roots. The Student-to-Student program exemplifies this approach by educating young people at a crucial stage in their development. By fostering mutual respect and understanding, we are building a stronger, more inclusive community.”
The program consists of 64 teen ambassadors trained to visit schools across Orange County, where they share narratives about Jewish life, history and culture. In each classroom session, ambassadors engage students on issues of identity, heritage, and Jewish American experiences, breaking down misconceptions and encouraging respect. By centering their presentations on Jewish pride and community, the program aims to create more respectful campus climates and plant seeds of inclusivity for future generations.
“Our program has a profound impact in every classroom we visit, sparking conversations that extend far beyond the presentations themselves,” said Student-to-Student program coordinator Robin Steinmetz. “We are committed to expanding to additional school districts across Orange County, reaching more students with our message of empathy, awareness and unity. Each encounter has the power to change perspectives, and we’re excited to continue building a community rooted in respect and understanding.”
This recognition from the Orange County Board of Education underscores the Federation’s ongoing commitment to addressing antisemitism and fostering inclusion across the county. Through Student-to-Student and other initiatives, Federation offers resources and programs to empower educators, parents and students to create environments where diversity is celebrated and biases are confronted.
