The Fellowship for Emerging Leaders

Are you a student leader invested in exploring the complexity of Black American and Jewish American history and identity? Are you hoping to build bridges across difference to create a better world? The Fellowship for Emerging Leaders is a year-long opportunity for college students who identify as Black and/or Jewish, and who are interested in an immersive opportunity to build community while studying Black and Jewish identities, experiences in America, and pursuits for social justice.  The fellowship integrates rigorous academic study, experiential learning, social entrepreneurial training and leadership development. As a fellow, you will be immersed in the historical and contemporary experiences of both communities, build effective alliances and gain the skills to lead efforts towards the healing and repair of our society.

PROGRAM COMPONENTS AND COMMITMENTS

• In-Person Retreats 
  • Opening Retreat (Fall)
    Fellows get to know one another and begin the learning experience by sharing stories and experiences, exploring social systems and identity, setting goals, and establishing group norms to guide engagement throughout the year. 
  • Mid-year Retreat (Winter) 
    Fellows participate in seminars and workshops, gain skills in dialogue facilitation, visit museums and historic institutions, and explore opportunities for summer internships. 
  • Closing Retreat and National Black-Jewish Fellowship Dinner (Spring) 
    Fellows participate in seminars and workshops and prepare reflections on their experience to present at the National Black-Jewish Fellowship Dinner, an annual gathering of academic, civic, and community leaders. 
• Monthly Seminars (October-May)
  Each month, Fellows will participate in a two-part online session.
  • Part one: a seminar facilitated by Gratz faculty and guest lecturers on African American and Jewish identity, history, and social movements over the course of American history.
  • Part two: group dialogue with social justice leaders working in a range of sectors at the national, state, and local levels. 

• Internship (Summer 2025) 
  Fellows will have the option of taking on a stipended summer internship with an organization rooted in the Black, Jewish, or Black Jewish communities, working with a mentor on a project that furthers Black Jewish bridge-building and/or social justice. 

WHAT YOU WILL GET OUT OF IT

• Explore the complexity of Black American and Jewish American history and identity, and study the history of Black and Jewish alliances for social justice
• Build deep, ongoing relationships with other student leaders with similar interests
• Engage directly with eminent scholars, higher education leaders, government leaders, and community-based social justice advocates
• Learn on-site at the African American History Museum in Washington, DC, the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia, and others
• Develop what social justice leadership looks like for you
• $1,500.00 stipend
• Opportunity for a paid internship during summer 2025
• All transportation, housing, meal costs and site visits for in-person gatherings are arranged and covered by the program
• Costs for the online seminar and course for college-credit are covered by the program
   

WHO ARE THE FELLOWS AND HOW ARE THEY SELECTED?

• Fellows are rising college sophomores, juniors and seniors who identify as Black, Jewish, or Black and Jewish.
• Fellows are student leaders attending HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) or Hillel-affiliated student leaders, all of whom demonstrate leadership, intellectual curiosity, and strong academic achievement.
• A committee reviews applications, conducts candidate interviews, selects and notifies a cohort of 8-12 students.

APPLICATION PROCESS

The application process is closed for 2024-2025. Check back in January 2025.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

The Fellowship is made possible with support from The Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity and Hillel International.