This event will benefit over 70,000 students across 200 Jewish schools nationwide.
(Courtesy of CIJE) The Center for Initiatives in Jewish Education (CIJE) will host its 14th Annual Golf and Tennis Championship on Monday, June 23, at the prestigious Fenway Golf Club in Scarsdale, New York. The fundraising event aims to support innovative STEAM education programs that are transforming learning for more than 70,000 Jewish students across 200 schools in 20 states.
Founded in 2001, CIJE has emerged as a leader in preparing students for an evolving job market where an estimated 65-85% of today’s students will work in careers that don’t yet exist. The organization provides comprehensive science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) curricula along with hands-on learning experiences and ongoing teacher support.
“When you step onto the greens and courts, you’re creating opportunities for Jewish children,” said Philip Brazil, CIJE’s vice president of development. “Your participation equips these students with critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills they need to thrive.”
The championship offers participants a choice between golf and tennis, with both events culminating in an awards dinner and celebration.
The golf schedule is as follows:
- 10 a.m.: Registration and brunch
- 11:30 a.m.: Shotgun start
- Throughout the day: Lunch and refreshments on the course
- 5:45 p.m.: Dinner and awards
- The tennis schedule is as follows:
- 11 a.m.: Registration
- 1 p.m.: Tournament begins
- 5 p.m.: Cocktail reception
- 5:45 p.m.: Dinner and awards
Supporting Cutting-Edge Programs
Funds raised through the championship directly support several key initiatives that set CIJE apart from traditional educational approaches:
High School Engineering Program: A two-year course in scientific and biomedical engineering that prepares students for advanced technology careers.
STEAM Middle School Program: Hands-on learning that includes robotics, programming, and innovative project-based challenges.
(New) Lower School STEAM Program: Early introduction to scientific thinking and problem-solving for elementary students.
National Robotics Competitions: CIJE runs a unique league that accommodates Shabbat observance while challenging students in 13+ tournaments annually.
Specialized Teacher Training: Year-round professional development, including summer conferences and one-on-one mentorship.
The organization’s approach emphasizes inquiry-based learning where “students learn when their questions lead the way,” fostering curiosity, motivation and deep understanding.
Growing Impact and Rising Need
CIJE’s reach has expanded dramatically in recent years. The organization served nearly 69,000 K-8 students with STEAM modules in 2023, up from fewer than 40,000 in 2019. This growth reflects increasing recognition that traditional educational models may not adequately prepare students for a rapidly changing technological landscape.
However, this expansion comes with significant financial challenges. To keep programs accessible to schools already facing rising tuition costs, CIJE charges member schools less than one-third of the actual program cost.
“We work tirelessly to keep costs down for schools through donor contributions,” explained Brazil. “In an era of increasing educational expenses, we believe innovative STEAM education shouldn’t be a luxury reserved for only the most well-funded institutions.”
Participation and Sponsorship Opportunities
Individual participation is available for $1,800 per person for golf (including all meals and activities) and $800 per person for tennis. Those preferring to attend only the dinner and awards reception can register for $300.
The event also offers extensive sponsorship opportunities ranging from $1,000 for “Friend of CIJE” recognition to $50,000 for championship title sponsorship. Unique sponsorship options include supporting specific elements, such as the breakfast, golf carts, cigar rolling station, or trophy presentations.
Beyond the Championship
CIJE’s work extends year-round through programs that include innovation days, where students present their inventions in Shark Tank-style competitions, international trips to Israel’s “Silicon Valley,” and partnerships with organizations such as the USC Shoah Foundation for Holocaust education initiatives.
The organization recently launched new programs, including a lower school robotics league for fourth and fifth graders, middle school esports leagues featuring Minecraft challenges centered on Jewish holidays, and the first-ever middle school hackathon.
Registration for the 14th Annual Golf and Tennis Championship is open online. The event represents more than just a day of recreation; it’s an investment in educational innovation that will benefit Jewish communities nationwide for years to come.
For more information about the championship or CIJE’s programs, visit thecije.org/championship or contact Brazil at pb@thecije.org.
