Mikva youth are more likely to vote, graduate from college, and participate in community life than their peers.

Mikva teachers report that our programs improve their teaching practices and empower and motivate their students. Investing in Mikva Challenge not only makes a real impact on teens now, but also seeds a generation of thoughtful, engaged, ethical citizens and community leaders for the future. Hear more about how Mikva Challenge shaped the leadership journey of our alumni.

Alumni Reflections

Jaylin McClinton

Jaylin McClinton

Mikva Alumni 2011

Community Organizer , Obama Foundation

Jaylin reflects on the importance of participating in democracy.

Mehak Hafez

Mehak Hafez

Mikva Alumni 2014

Graduate Student , Illinois Institute of Technology

Mehak reflects on how Mikva helped her find her voice.

Ronnie Mosely

Ronnie Mosely

Mikva Alumni 2009

Partner , Homegrown Strategy Group

Mikva Challenge Alumni, reflects on their experience with Mikva Challenge.

Samantha Grund Wickramasekera

Samantha Grund Wickramasekera

Mikva Alumni 2010

Senior Judicial Law Clerk/Staff Attorney , Circuit Court of Cook County

Samantha Grund Wickramasekera, Mikva Challenge Alumni, reflects on their experience with Mikva Challenge.

James Alford

James Alford

Mikva Alumni 2010

Student Support Specialist , Saint Xavier University

James Alford, Mikva Challenge Alumni, reflects on their experience with Mikva Challenge.

Eva Liu

Eva Liu

Mikva Alumni 2004

Chief Strategy & Operations Officer , Chicago Beyond

Eva Liu, Mikva Challenge Alumni, reflects on their experience with Mikva Challenge.

Help us Grow

Your gift helps us build a better democracy one leader at a time.

When students take the stage, they aren't just speaking; they're igniting a movement. They're amplifying their voices, sharing their stories, and demanding to be heard. Whether they're advocating for educational equity, social justice, or environmental sustainability, their passion and conviction are palpable, and their impact is undeniable. We continue to be proud of all of our youth leaders who represent Mikva Challenge! #mikvachallenge

Last weekend, 30 @mikvachallengedc students from 13 high schools across DC traveled to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for an overnight Youth Elections Trip. They spent two days learning about local elections, participating in campaigns ahead of the Pennsylvania Primary Election, canvassing for voter turnout, and connecting with community leaders, congressional candidates, college student leaders, and Mikva alumni Eli Moraru.

Eli shared his story of developing @the.community.grocer through community connections and partnering with local leaders to address food deserts and inequitable policies. The students left the weekend inspired and motivated, with a fuller sense of their own civic agency, leadership, and ability to make change.

Thank you to our partners during this trip: @repdwightevens @southwest_tracey @the.community.grocer @indivisiblephl @lincolnuniversityofpa @uofpenn

We want to extend our appreciation to all the students who served as election judges during Election Day in Chicago. 1100 students representing 100+ high schools across Chicago showed up to work election polls throughout the day. Thank you to all the student election workers for ensuring voters had the opportunity to make their voices heard in the democratic process. Thank you @chicagoelection for your partnership!

#mikvachallenge #democracyisaverb