An extensive study to determine the social and educational problems facing Jewish college students has been launched by the Jewish Vocational Service here, it was announced today. The embarking on such a study was prompted by the fact that at least one out of three Jewish students have been dropping out of college.
Officials of the JVS pointed out that the problem of Jewish college drop-outs is serious, since at least 70 per cent of all Jewish high school graduates go on to college –a higher rate than that prevailing in the general American- population. The college drop-out survey, believed to be the first of its kind ever launched in the United States, will probe into Jewish students personal and social adjustment to college life.
More than 800 college students who have contacted the JVS this summer will receive a questionnaire during the next month. Other questionnaires will be distributed in the fall through Hillel chapters on Midwest campuses. Tabulation of results is scheduled to start in October.
“Data obtained from these unsigned questionnaires will be instrumental in providing more effective counseling of young people who are planning to attend college,” said Dr. William Gellman, executive director of the Jewish Vocational Service, an agency of the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago.
“It will be of special value in advising students seeking assistance in choosing the right school. We hope this survey will be of significant help in reducing the drop-out rate among our young people, a vital factor in promoting the welfare of the Jewish community,” he said.
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