Hillel Connections is a faith-based initiative inspired at the University of Alabama that connects Jewish college students with members of the community in Birmingham, Alabama, to foster personal mentoring and professional relationships.  Most students know little of the cultural, social, religious, and employment opportunities in our "Magic City."  To bridge this gap, the Hillel Connections program directly links students with local employers as well as a local family friend and the Jewish and secular community providing long-term relationships throughout their collegiate years and beyond.  Options for students range from connecting with a "family friend", networking to link with a professional mentor, applying for our eight-week summer internship program, and possibly finding that perfect job after graduation! 

 

During our pilot year, only students from the University of Alabama were eligible for Hillel Connections.  Since then, we have opened the program to Jewish collegiates across the country and have brought 31 bright and enthusiastic interns to live and work in the “Magic City.”

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We are now recruiting for summer internships for 2025 and plan to accept 8 – 20 students.  Students interview with the Hillel Connections committee, who then network their resume among employers.  The student must earn their  internship; job description and responsibilities are negotiated between employer and student.    Students are offered free housing, usually in apartments.  In addition to interning with their employer,  from approximately May 27 – July 26, they will participate in a variety of social events, including Shabbat services, You Belong in Birmingham events (the Jewish young professionals group), perform community service, share dinners with community members, attend Birmingham Barons baseball games, and other fun activities.  Intern applications are requested to be submitted by January 1 but will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis.  The sooner we have your information, the sooner we can help find the perfect internship for you!