Tzedek Hillel is an international public service effort that empowers Jewish students on college campuses to combine hands-on community service and advocacy work with an exploration of the Jewish values inherent in civic involvement.  Framed by the Jewish imperatives of tzedakah (righteousness), gemilut chasadim (acts of loving kindness), and tikkum olam (repair of the world), Tzedek Hillel addresses a broad range of issues, including poverty, literacy, the environment, education, and child welfare.  Launched in the fall of 1999, it was established through the support of the Nathan Cummings Foundation and MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger.            

One of the main activities of Tzedek Hillel is its connection with Ridgetop Elementary, a low socioeconomic school in Austin. For the past two years, under its auspices, college students at University of Texas at Austin have placed volunteers at Ridgetop Elementary, mentoring at the school to assist kindergartners to fifth graders who have difficulties in learning.  

Over the 2001-2002 school year, new partnerships were formed and new areas of need were identified at the school.  From this partnership, an idea to create the Crazy Science Extravaganza, which would better the chances of success for the targeted students, was formed.  The first Crazy Science Extravaganza began its development in November of 2001.  After an entire year of planning, fundraising, and recruiting, the event was scheduled for November 18, 2002.  Planning the goals of this project, the committees developed programs to make a unique experience for each child.  Fundraising began as soon as a working budget was created; meanwhile, the plans and layout of the event were also being developed.  Recruiting volunteers from different student organizations and fields of learning was also an ongoing process from day one.  After spending countless hours on the first Crazy Science Extravaganza, all of the volunteers were able to see the success of the event by watching the children enjoy themselves, listening to them ask questions about science, and  experiencing their imaginations running wild.  To every extent, the first Crazy Science Extravaganza was a huge success, surpassing each one of its preset goals.  Approximately 100 third through fifth graders attended the event and were impacted by its success.  Over 80 volunteers helped host the event from more than 10 different student organizations campus-wide, many of which have decided to help with next year’s event.  Many of the volunteers also had the opportunity to become role models for each child by sparking their imaginations with science and learning as well as interacting one-on-one with each child.  As a result of these achievements, we have already started to plan, design, and expand for next year’s Crazy Science Extravaganza.