Olami Growth Milestones: AY, SO, and STAM

At Olami, the heart of our mission is to empower students to grow meaningfully in their Jewish journey, while we as educators, mentors, and friends share a common language to celebrate that growth. Having a clear, shared way of describing these milestones helps us recognize each step forward, understand the impact of our programs, and unite in the joy of every student’s accomplishments.

To do this, Olami uses three key milestones, what we call AY, SO, and STAM.

AY: Attend Yeshiva

“AY” marks one of the most beautiful and transformational experiences: choosing to attend a yeshiva for men or a seminary for women. Every student who takes that courageous step to immerse themselves in Torah learning is making a powerful statement about their growth, and we celebrate it wholeheartedly.

• Any student who learns for more than one month in a yeshiva or seminary earns the designation AY.
• Our system records this automatically once start and end dates are entered, with levels AY1, AY2, AY3, AY4, AY5, and AY6+.
• While each stage is meaningful, when we say “AY student” in celebration, we’re usually referring to an AY6+, representing sustained time in this life-changing environment.

SO: Shabbos Observant

The heartbeat of the Jewish people is Shabbos. When a student embraces Shabbos, it’s often the first real step toward a life of observancy, and shows a serious level of commitment to Yiddishkeit. It also naturally connects them to Torah observant communities., 

• A student is considered SO when they commit to the basics of Shabbos observance: no driving, no telephone, no writing.
• Olami is not overly strict beyond this baseline, understanding that full halachic observance is an ongoing journey and a life’s work.
• Importantly, this designation belongs to students who became Shabbos observant while with Olami (not those who were already keeping Shabbos before joining).

STAM: Shomer Torah U’Mitzvos

At the pinnacle of Olami’s vision is the STAM milestone, when a student embraces a life committed to Torah and mitzvos in a sustainable way. The STAM designation requires adherence to the basics across the board: observing kosher dietary laws (both inside and outside the home), keeping halachic Shabbat, and dressing with modesty according to Olami standards.

If someone is still struggling with fundamental halachic commitments, they are not yet “STAM.” 

Because "full observance" is the work of a lifetime, Olami uses simple, practical litmus tests for recognizing STAM students:

• For men: Davening three times a day, every day (minyan is ideal, but not required).
• For women: A full commitment to tznius (modest dress). This includes:
• Wearing skirts
• Wearing at least elbow-length sleeves
• Commitment to cover hair once married

Note: this reflects Olami’s conviction that when a woman embraces tznius, especially with hair covering after marriage, she is much more likely to choose Jewish day schools over secular education for future children, ensuring Torah homes for generations.

**There are situations that may not be entirely black and white. When in doubt about whether a student is SO or STAM, it’s best to consult your manager.

Immersive Experiences

In addition to AY, SO, and STAM, Olami also celebrates Immersive Experiences. These include programs such as Heritage Retreats, Sinai Retreats, and short stays at seminaries (lasting under a month). These immersive bursts of learning are deeply connected to the growth journeys that lead to AY, SO, and STAM, so we record them proudly as part of each student’s story.

The Bigger Picture

Each of these milestones is not just a checkmark on a list. It is a life transformed. Some students may reach them quickly, even within a year. For others, it may be a slower progression. Both journeys are beautiful, and both deserve to be celebrated. At Souled, we see each student as a world of beautiful potential. Every moment of learning, every Shabbos kept, every choice to live with dignity and halacha, brings us closer to a future filled with Torah and ahavas Hashem, ensuring generations of committed Jews. And as Souled Coaches, we get the privilege of witnessing and recording these holy steps forward.