BBYO Receives $2.5 Million Endowment Gift for Teens to Explore the Importance of Democracy and Civic Engagement

Formation of The Miller Institute for Democracy Advances BBYO’s Commitment to Leadership Development

DENVER, CO—BBYO announced today a $2.5 million gift from Sara Miller McCune, publishing pioneer and BBYO’s 15^th International N’siah (B’nai B’rith Girls President), to establish The Miller Institute for Democracy. This new initiative will expand BBYO’s leadership offerings by offering programming that enables teens to explore the role of media in democracy, develop skills for civil discourse, and engage in democratic practices.
 
The Miller Institute for Democracy reinforces BBYO’s broader strategy of experiential democracy, which has been central to the organization’s leadership development for generations. Through the Institute, teens will have access to hands-on learning, leadership retreats, resources, and discussions around critical issues such as media responsibility and civic engagement.
 
“From the time I was an eighteen-year-old in college, and also during my time in BBG, I decided to switch my major from English literature to political science. Thinking and learning about democracy still fascinates me,” shared Ms. McCune. “It is – to me – the key to a better world.”
 
For over 100 years, BBYO has provided a platform for tens of thousands of Jewish teens to develop leadership skills, gain Jewish enrichment, and engage in meaningful service. Since becoming independent of B’nai B’rith International in 2002, BBYO has experienced tremendous growth, expanding its reach to over 65,000 teens annually in 63 countries and most recently experiencing a 19% surge in membership this year alone; an unmistakable sign of the increasing demand for innovative Jewish teen programming.
 
At the same time, today’s youth face a number of challenges, including the widespread influence of social media, growing distrust in elected officials, and the confusion surrounding what counts as reliable news. As a result, many young people become disillusioned with politics and media and less likely to consider future leadership roles in the public sector. While BBYO has long been at the forefront of addressing these issues by offering elevated leadership training and a foundation in Jewish values, the establishment of The Miller Institute aims to take these efforts further by engaging teens in the exploration of media literacy, respectful discourse, and democratic values through several initiatives:
 
BBYO Press Corps Experience at International Convention
The BBYO Press Corps Experience will bring together 100 teens from around the world before BBYO International Convention (IC) to learn about the role of the press in society. Teens will be trained as creatives, capturing stories for The Shofar, BBYO’s social media, and the TableTalk with BBYO Insider podcast. They’ll hear from experts in public service, media, debate, and democracy, then serve as journalists at IC, covering events like the International Board Elections and sharing their experiences through interviews and editorials.
 
BBYO Speakers Bureau
BBYO will expand its efforts to bring impactful speakers and programs on democracy, the press, and civic engagement to its summer programs and regional conventions. These events draw large audiences of teens eager to explore critical social issues and develop the skills needed to tackle them. A key part of this experience is offering teens the chance to engage with inspiring leaders and practitioners in smaller, more intimate settings. Funding for this initiative will help ensure that more quality speakers can participate in BBYO’s programs, providing teens with the opportunity to learn from experts without bearing the full financial burden.
 
Oratory/Debate Support
Each year, BBYO teen leaders compete in a global debate competition against other Jewish teens from Jewish day schools around the world. Expanded support for this effort via The Miller Institute will enable BBYO to bring in experienced debate coaches to guide teens through their preparation, providing not only expert training but also imparting essential leadership skills that will help them succeed in future endeavors. This investment in their development will ensure they are equipped to perform at their best in the competition and beyond.
 
“It was so important to us to have Sara’s name associated with this initiative, as she is an incredible role model for BBYO members,” said Matthew Grossman, CEO of BBYO.  “She built Sage Publications into one of the world’s largest privately held academic publishers by focusing on the leadership and values she gained through BBYO. By establishing this endowment, she ensures others have this same opportunity.”
 
The $2.5 million gift from Ms. McCune was announced publicly on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at BBYO International Convention (IC), the single largest gathering of Jewish teen leaders in the world, taking place over Presidents’ Day weekend in Denver, Colorado. As one of the largest annual events in the Jewish community, attendance at IC is expected to exceed 5,500 teens and adults this year.