Rutgers Hillel Center for Israel Engagement Evaluation

“… Know from where you came, where you are going…” ( Pirkei Avot)

This year the Rutgers Hillel Center for Israel Engagement (RHCIE) became a reality. RHCIE was able to fund two new full time staff positions and greatly expand our Hillel’s programs and partnerships in Israel education, engagement, and leadership development.

Having just concluded the first academic year of the RHCIE, we are seeking to do a comprehensive evaluation of the initiative. This evaluation is internally driven. We want the RHCIE to be as effective as possible, and we want our stakeholders to know that we are committed to accountability and results.  We also see the RHCIE as a potential model for Hillels nationally, and will share evaluation results with our colleagues and peers across North America.

Marian Z. Stern leading the evaluation

 Lihi Rothschild presenting RHCIE benchmarks

Method

RHCIE will conduct a 360-degree evaluation by its stakeholders. The attendees in the evaluation will include RHCIH staff, Rutgers Hillel staff, Rutgers students, community members, Jewish community leaders, and professionals in the field of Israel advocacy. The results of the evaluation will allow RHCIE to measure its performance, refine its strategy, and map specific paths in its future development.

Evaluation Goals

• Evaluate Year 1 programming
• Build consensus on how to best deploy time and resources in Year 2
• Learn from “outsiders” about what else is going on around the country and how RHCIE can benefit from this knowledge