BBYO is the leading pluralistic teen movement aspiring to involve more Jewish teens in more meaningful Jewish experiences. With over 700 teen-led chapters (AZA for boys and BBG for girls) across 60+ countries around the world, Jewish teens in communities of all shapes and sizes engage their peers in activities focuses on community service, philanthropy, civic engagement, Israel education, and Jewish heritage, among other topics. 

Participation in BBYO begins in eighth grade or freshman year of high school and lasts through graduation. Membership in BBYO is a one-time fee of only $249, and grants teens access to special events, exclusive programs, a peer group that spans the globe, and a robust alumni network that can support their success well beyond high school and into adulthood.

During the school year, programs, conventions, and elections are held on the local, council, regional, and International level and are planned by elected and appointed teen leaders who are chosen by their peers to help create meaningful and fun experiences. 

Summer Experiences
BBYO offers teens a wide variety of summer program options. Our members-only leadership programs pair the values of AZA and BBG—leadership, service, and siblinghood—with the best of camp—athletics, swimming, electives, and fun in the sun—for a one-of-a-kind experience with an emphasis on growing skills and friendships. Teens can also explore the world with whatever focus drives them—outdoor adventures, service-based trips, cross-cultural connection—through BBYO Passport programs.

Movement Initiatives
Movement initiatives are BBYO’s signature annual programs that introduce and engage current and future members in BBYO locally, nationally, and internationally. BBYO Kickoff, Global Shabbat, J-Serve, and Founders' Fest happen around the same time in communities across the International Order. These unique community-wide events are a powerful reminder that every member is part of something bigger than themselves.​

Local Events
The heart of BBYO takes place in our regions and chapters around the world. This is where teens find their closest friends, have the opportunity to convene with peers, staff, and volunteers on a regular basis, and cultivate pride in their communities and themselves. Visit our BBYO Near You page to find your local chapter, as well as upcoming nearby events.

Leadership Opportunities
BBYO emphasizes teen leadership on every level—teens can be elected onto chapter, council, regional, or international boards. In addition, throughout the year there are dozens of opportunities for teens to plan, recruit, and coordinate events and programs. You can read more in the Teen Leadership section!

Inclusive Environment
BBYO welcomes Jewish teens of all backgrounds, denominational affiliation, gender, race, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status, including those with a range of intellectual, emotional, and physical abilities. We are committed to creating a mentally, emotionally, socially, and physically safe environment for all teens in our care. Learn more about our commitment to safety, wellness, and inclusion here.

Jewish Identity
BBYO connects many teens to their Jewish identity post B’nai Mitzvah. Our pluralistic programming includes holiday celebrations and opportunities to explore Jewish traditions and history. We work to encourage and facilitate the exploration of Jewish identity as well as Israel advocacy and education through programs about and in Israel.

Global Jewish Connections
With a presence in over 60 countries today (and rapidly expanding into new areas), BBYO offers unique opportunities for Jewish teens from around the world to join with one another, expanding their awareness of the diversity of Judaism across the continents. These global connections last a lifetime and create strong and lasting bonds of friendship. Check out more about BBYO’s global reach here.

Vast Alumni Network
Alumni have the benefit of being a part of an extensive BBYO network of over 400,000 members. These connections can help young people find their calling in college and in future careers. There are many ways alumni can engage with BBYO to build community, reconnect with fellow alumni, and support BBYO’s mission to bring more Jewish teens more meaningful Jewish experiences. Learn more by visiting our Alumni Association page.

Leadership Positions
BBYO is built on providing teens with meaningful Jewish experiences, and as a truly teen-led organization, our members are empowered to take the lead on shaping those experiences, as well as the overall direction for each programming year. 

Members can hold a variety of leadership positions including board positions that can be held for one semester or two, chair positions within a chapter, convention coordinating roles, and summer experience planning positions. Check out our Lead Hub for more information!

Leadership Skills
The leadership model in BBYO provides teens with a toolbox of skills that set them up for success not only in BBYO, but as they move on to higher education, careers, and community leadership. In addition to an emphasis on fostering respect for others and valuing community service, we focus on practical lessons in public speaking, conflict resolution, effective message crafting, program planning and implementation, and so much more.

College Readiness
With so many of our alumni emerging as leaders on their college campuses and in their careers, academic decision makers have taken notice of involvement in BBYO as a positive CV highlight. To underscore this, our CEO, Matthew Grossman, sends a letter to over 130 college admissions officers every year highlighting aspects of the BBYO high school experience that carry over into a successful college career. This year’s message highlights how BBYO teens are rising to the moment—bridging divides, leading with empathy, and creating space for respectful conversation amid uncertainty and tension on campuses and in society at large. As Matt write in the letter, “BBYO alumni are the kind of students who enrich campus communities and bring leadership and purpose to the spaces they enter.”

Parent Pulse
Parent Pulse is our digital newsletter designed to keep parents in the loop on happenings in BBYO and with teen culture in general. Content includes highlights from around the Order, spotlights on teen wellness, news on upcoming events, and more!

Become a Parent Advisor
Parents have a unique opportunity to become volunteer chapter advisors. Advisors are a crucial part of the BBYO experience, serving as adult guides for teen members to help create meaningful and successful programs for the whole chapter to enjoy.

Parent Brochure
Looking for bite-size info on the BBYO experience? This sharable parent brochure highlights the "why" of BBYO and gives an overview of the member experience.

Refer a Family
At BBYO, we believe that parents, supporters, and friends are our greatest allies and advocates when it comes to achieving our mission of bringing more meaningful experiences to more Jewish teens. If you have a teen who’s not yet a member of BBYO—or know of other families within your network that may be interested in BBYO for their teen(s)—please fill out this brief form.

Make a Gift to BBYO
Our vibrant and growing Movement is made possible by program and membership fees, which cover approximately 50% of our costs, and also through generous donations from BBYO parents, alumni, and supporters who help to cover the other 50% of our needs. Philanthropy is vital to ensuring that the full participation in BBYO is accessible for all families, keeping program fees low and directly funding scholarship, staffing, and high-quality experiences directly in our local BBYO communities. A gift to your teen’s region gives more Jewish teens the opportunity to find their home in BBYO. Visit this page to donate.