Next Generation Interfaith Engagement
The Kaufman Interfaith Institute's youth programming empowers young people to share their perspectives, learn about each other, build meaningful relationships, and engage in interfaith dialogue.
By elevating youth voices today, we help shape a more compassionate, inclusive, and connected future for our communities.
"There's a mutual understanding of open-mindedness here. It feels like a safe space. Everyone is coming in ready to learn, wanting to gain a new perspective, and with a growth mindset that is able to adapt and change."
- Hariet Engbers, City High School, Class of 2025
Interfaith Leadership Cohort
7th Grade Sacred Excursions
Henry Pestka Art & Poetry Contest
A year-long co-curricular opportunity high schoolers to learn leadership skills alongside peers from different religious, secular, and spiritual identities.
Immersive visits to local sacred sites for area seventh grade students, bringing their World Religions curriculum to life through firsthand experiences.
An opportunity for students in grades 6–12 to explore the enduring lessons of the Holocaust through creative expression and reflection.
“Scholars has given me a access to a community and people that I didn’t know existed, and because of them, I have been able to grow and continue my interfaith journey, as well as develop as a young adult. I now understand the true meaning of human connections and empathy, and how everyone in this universe is intertwined to make the world a better place.”
- Olivia Meisner, Forest Hills Northern High School, Class of 2026
Community Impact Projects
Created by Our Youth Scholars
Every year, as a part of our Interfaith Leadership Cohorts and after building a foundation of interfaith leadership skills, the Youth Scholars work on a project project specifically engaging faith communities or broaching questions of religious, secular, and spiritual belonging here in West Michigan. Below are the two most recent examples.
2025-2026 - "Youth Speak: Identity, Worldview, and Leadership"
Young adults of various backgrounds speak about their experiences as leaders and how their worldviews and identities have shaped their those journeys.
2024-2025 - "Worldview and Mental Health Roundtable"
Community leaders from diverse religious, spiritual, and secular traditions engaging in Jubilee-style dialogue on the intersections of worldview and mental health, moderated by the Scholars.
"The Kaufman Interfaith Institute fosters a safe, inspiring environment where anyone from any walk of life can express their thoughts and ideas. Not only does it give value to voices from across West Michigan, but it has taught me to tackle pressing issues in our community by using our most powerful tool: dialogue. Over the past seven years I have been involved at Kaufman, I have had the unique opportunity to have deep conversations with people of various backgrounds, cultures, and traditions. Getting these experiences as a student has equipped me with the ability to connect with other people at a deeper, personal level as I plan for the future."
- Krishna Mano, City High School, Class of 2026
