Apply to
JLA

No, you do not need to be nominated to apply. We run open applications, so anyone who meets the eligibility criteria is encouraged to apply. That said, JLA is highly selective and seeks top-tier talent, so endorsements that attest to your leadership style, whether through a nomination or a reference, will carry weight and lead to a stronger application. You do not need a reference to apply — if you haven’t been nominated and you pass the first round, we’ll ask you at that point for one reference.

Nominators don’t need a professional title — a friend can nominate you too. They just need to have known you for at least a year and be able to speak to your leadership abilities. Nominating letters are confidential.

Yes. Fellows receive a $2,000 stipend upon completion of the fellowship. The stipend is tied to attendance — if you miss more than one of the nine mandatory sessions, your stipend is reduced.

Fellows commit to 9 mandatory dinner sessions and 1 day-long weekend retreat, plus optional monthly social gatherings. Most dinners will be held on Thursday nights from 7:30–9:30pm, subject to speakers' availability.

Let us know as soon as possible if you know you’ll need to miss a session. We understand conflicts come up, and one missed dinner won’t affect your standing in the program. That said, attendance is factored into your completion stipend, so missing more than one of the nine mandatory sessions will reduce it.

San Francisco (January 2027 – November 2027) and New York City (March 2027 – February 2028) are our first two cohorts. If you don't see your city listed, reach out and let us know you're interested! We're actively launching new cities and will do our best to accommodate interest across the U.S.

High-potential Jewish college graduates, ages 21–26 and within 0–4 years of undergraduate graduation, with a proven track record of leadership. We are looking for candidates who do not work in the Jewish nonprofit space, but who instead have secular, corporate jobs.

We review every application and nomination on a rolling basis. Candidates who stand out are invited to a short interview with the JLA Founder and Program Director before final decisions are made. Those who pass this stage will also be asked to provide one reference. If the candidate has been directly nominated, no additional reference is needed.

Our team reviews applications on a rolling basis and will follow up within a few weeks of submission.

We believe Israel is the homeland of the Jewish people and an important part of American Jewish identity. Israel isn’t a direct component of the leadership journey itself, but it is a core value of this program. JLA is also not about Israel politics or policy; it is about building Jewish leaders who will strengthen the future of the American Jewish community.

Fellows join a growing JLA alumni network, with opportunities for reunions and continued connection across cohorts and cities as the program expands. The relationships are built to last well beyond the nine months.