Create a Passion Project

A Passion Project is an incredible opportunity for high school students to dive deep into something they truly care about, all while developing essential skills that will serve them far beyond the classroom. Jewish Culture places a strong emphasis on the programs they offer, and one of the most successful programs at JCHS is the Passion Project initiative. This program supports a variety of emerging businesses and creative endeavors, giving students a chance to turn their ideas into something real.

By exploring your interests, you can uncover ideas that not only inspire you but also have the potential to make a meaningful impact. The first step is identifying what excites you, whether it's a specific topic, hobby, or social issue. Once you have a clear sense of your passion, set realistic, achievable goals to guide your project. Break your project down into smaller tasks and do thorough research to deepen your understanding of the topic. Staying organized will help you stay on track and prevent feeling overwhelmed. This is also your chance to think outside the box and get creative. Don’t be afraid to take risks and try new things. Along the way, seek feedback from teachers, mentors, and peers. Constructive criticism can help you refine your ideas and take your project to the next level.

The process of creating a Passion Project is about much more than just the final product. It teaches you how to manage your time, solve problems, and think critically—skills that will benefit you well beyond high school. It also offers a unique opportunity to inspire others, gain confidence, and open doors to new possibilities.

One of the most successful and well-known Passion projects at JCHS is Mimi’s Pretzels, a thriving baked goods business founded by Mimi Nahon. This venture started as a simple idea to earn money to buy merchandise from one of her favorite YouTubers and fundraise for her school. Mimi combined her need for funds with her love for baking and created a Passion Project that has since turned into a flourishing business. Mimi's Pretzels, made fresh by one of our own students, has become a beloved part of the JCHS community. Last year, Mimi’s Pretzels became a huge hit at the school and even earned her first place on the prestigious "20 Under 20" list, a competition at our school that celebrates the best student Passion Projects.

When you finish your Passion Project, share it with others—whether through a presentation, social media, or a special event. JCHS offers the opportunity to take your Passion Project to the next level by turning it into a real, verified business. With ample support and connections from the school, students can access potential funding, mentorship, and much more. In fact, JCHS is now hosting a competition for three lucky students to receive funding for their business ideas, and “20 Under 20” is just around the corner.

The school's view of Passion Projects is not that they are just another class or a burden, but an exciting opportunity. Students are given time within their school schedule to work independently on their Passion Projects. Teachers are available to provide mentorship, guidance, and encouragement to help students grow. While JCHS encourages you to use this time to explore your passions and have fun, it also pushes you to work on something that could shape your future career. Whether you're thinking about starting your own business or pursuing a career in a specific field, the Passion Project program at JCHS is designed to help you grow, find your passion, and, of course, have fun while doing it all!

By Tehillah Lipkind