“There is only one way to change the world and that is through education.”(Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks zt’l) This wisdom drives JTConnect, Greater Hartford's hub for Jewish teen engagement and leadership education. Each year, the organization helps more than 100 teens strengthen their Jewish identity through programs that blend education with action. By connecting young people with community service opportunities, JTConnect prepares teens to become confident Jewish adults—and tomorrow's community leaders.

In service to their mission, JTConnect offers weekly Jewish learning and leadership classes at synagogues throughout Greater Hartford. "We are connected to nearly every synagogue in the area," said Executive Director Caroline Poland, "and actively partner with Jewish and secular nonprofits throughout our community." With 15 local Jewish educators teaching with JTConnect each year, weekly classes form the foundation of the organization's educational mission. Inclusive and pluralistic, JTConnect is intent on creating safe spaces for teens to grow and learn.

The organization’s programming also reflects the value of tikkun olam—repairing the world through social awareness and action. With crucial support from the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford that "makes it all possible," according to Caroline, JTConnect offers an annual "Summer of Service" program, a week-long experience that introduces teens to a different local nonprofit each day with hands-on opportunities to volunteer. The program has also received generous funding from the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving. "Our teens learn to take empathy to action by getting to know the needs around them and many of the nonprofits in our community who respond to those needs," Caroline explained. Through “Summer of Service,” teens are introduced to causes ranging from food insecurity to homelessness, as well as human dignity issues such as hygiene poverty. Additionally, JTConnect's annual "Mega Pumpkin Pie Bake" brings together nearly 100 teens who this year alone created 300 pies for local nonprofit organizations, directly helping those in need.

According to participants, these hands-on projects provide an important introduction to social action. “We put together care packages, stock food pantries, make food for people who are hungry or sick, or go to rallies and marches that support important issues in the world,” said Nava Kest, a JTConnect participant. “When I work with JTConnect I am part of a group of teens who are helping to make a difference together."

In addition to training Jewish teens for lifelong volunteerism, the organization prepares young people to take leadership roles in Jewish organizations throughout Greater Hartford. "Every program we offer is an opportunity for teens to lead," said Caroline. JTConnect’s Teen Leadership Council (TLC) brings selected students together to plan events, share feedback, take on leadership roles, and enhance the organization's visibility. Furthermore, their Teen Leadership and Philanthropy Initiative (TLPI) connects teens with local nonprofits, teaching the fundamentals of strategic grantmaking. With generous support from the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Hartford, JTConnect’s philanthropy programs give teens the tools to become active philanthropists in high school.

JTConnect has also met the moment in response to rising antisemitism. In 2023, the organization hosted the Teen Conference on Antisemitism, bringing together teens, their parents, and Jewish agencies to discuss how the increase of hate has affected young people, as well as strategies to combat this trend. More recently, JTConnect partnered with Beth El Temple to bring a group of students to the ADL's "Never is Now" conference, which convened global leaders in the fight against antisemitism. In all of these efforts, JTConnect educators create safe spaces for teens to express their fears and frustrations with adults ready to listen.

The organization will soon experience a change in leadership, with the departure of both Caroline Poland as executive director and Lauren Benthien, a long-time board member and current chairperson. However, Caroline sees nothing but opportunity for the organization she leads and loves. “Our partnerships, staff, educators, and students are our guiding compass. We are dedicated to cultivating community through experiential Jewish education, teen philanthropy, Jewish celebrations, and social impact programs,” she said. “I’m excited to see what the future holds, and am looking forward to sending all my kids to JTConnect.”

JTConnect will hold a “Giving Back Together” event on March 30, 2025 at Congregation Beth Israel. The program will feature Rabbi Dena Shaffer, director of education and learning at the Jewish Teen Education and Engagement Funder Collaborative. The evening will also include special appreciation for JTConnect’s outgoing executive director and presentation of the 2025 Leadership Award to Chairperson Lauren Benthien. Learn more about this event and JTConnect’s many programs and initiatives at this link.