The Wexner Service Corps (WSC) is a service-learning initiative for Columbus Jewish teenagers. It launched with an inaugural New York Service Trip in June 2013. Wexner Service Corps members participated in hands-on Hurricane Sandy relief work while learning Jewish texts related to the value of service and reflecting on the work, its impact and the harsh reality of disasters. Since then, Columbus Jewish teens have cumulatively put in thousands of service hours into serving both the Columbus community and in New York, New Orleans, Detroit, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Houston. The Wexner Service Corps was inspired by Hannah Wexner and it is generously supported by Leslie and Abigail Wexner and The Wexner Foundation.

We believe that service and Jewish learning are integral to Jewish life and identity. Jewish thought, text and questions will be the frame through which we’ll explore the work we’re doing and the feelings evoked by the experience. During the school year and on the summer trip, we will spend time reflecting on the work we have done through Jewish values in learning and discussion sessions. Corps members come from the spectrum of Jewish life in Columbus and learning from each other and developing Jewish friendships are among the core goals of the Corps. Any food provided to Corps members will be certified Kosher.

Jewish learning is the practice of studying both traditional Jewish texts and putting them into conversation with contemporary sources and articles, as well as secular texts that are learned through a Jewish lens, in order to inspire thoughtful conversation and reflection. We try to make all the learning interesting, inspiring and relevant to all WSC members regardless of skill level, prior experience or affiliation.

The Wexner Foundation requires all members, fellows, faculty, and staff attending in-person events and institutes to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (as defined currently by the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html) If accepted as a member of Wexner Service Corps, I understand that I may be required to show proof of up-to-date vaccination upon acceptance. If you have questions or concerns about this vaccination policy, please contact Dara Katzner at dkatzner@wexner.net.

In years past, all WSC participants have volunteered locally during monthly volunteer opportunities in Columbus, each paired with an opportunity for Jewish conversations and reflection. These events often take place on Sunday mornings, or early afternoons. There may also be multiple optional service experiences offered beyond our monthly mandatory events. Some organizations we’ve worked with in the past include Habitat for Humanity, KIPP Columbus, Wexner Heritage Village, Broad Street Food Pantry, Family Mentor Foundation, Central Ohio Furniture Bank, and Lifetown.

We do our best to accommodate participants with a range of physical abilities. If you have questions about your ability to participate in physical labor, please contact us to discuss.

All monthly service events are mandatory. We will do our best to send out the schedule in advance so that you can plan accordingly. We understand that, occasionally, there are unavoidable conflicts which might necessitate missing part or all of an event. As soon as you are aware of a potential conflict, you should contact us directly. WSC members commit to missing no more than two service events that have been excused in advance. Our expectation is that you will make up any missed service hours on your own time.

We advise Corps members to consider the Jewish value of tzniut (modesty and humility) which applies not only to the clothes we wear, but to the way we conduct ourselves in public places. Please wear clothing that will allow you to move freely while also being respectful of the environment. This could apply to baggy pants, sleeveless or low-cut tops, too-short shorts, etc. These same guidelines will apply to the summer trip as well.

The Summer 2025 trip dates and location are still TBD. Participation in the trip will be not be mandatory. In years past, each day of the trip has included approximately six hours of service, followed by opportunities for Jewish conversations, learning about the issue areas, and reflection, bolstered by speakers from the communities and agencies where we will be working. In the evening, we both unwind and have fun. We are still finalizing the schedule but will share it with all current WSC members and parents once it’s ready. Our goal is to have several different types of service sites that will enable the Corps to employ different skills and tap into the diverse range of passions our members possess. Some of our past work has included home repairs, gardening/farming, educational programming for elementary school students, advocacy, mural painting, and park cleaning. All trip costs will be covered at The Foundation’s expense. Please note it is The Foundation's policy to exclusively serve Kosher food.

The WSC is under the direction of Rabbi Sharon Barr Skolnik, Wexner Service Corps program director. Traditionally, there are madrichim (counselors), including experienced OSU students and/or Wexner Graduate Fellows (graduate students), educators who have benefited from The Wexner Foundation’s leadership development program.  Our partner agencies will also deploy staff at the work sites.