FAQ

Yavneh is a network of Jewish students and young professional leaders who build religious communities and Jewish life on campuses across North America. Fellows receive learning, mentorship and resources to create meaningful community programming.

Yavneh offers several fellowship tracks that support students throughout their college years. The First Year Fellowship is designed primarily for freshmen and sophomores and focuses on giving new student leaders the skills, mentorship and resources to build Jewish life on their campus. After completing the first year, students can differemnt avemnues of continuted engagement such as the LEAD Fellowship, which is geared toward juniors and seniors who want deeper multiyear leadership training. Rising juniors and seniors can also apply for the CareerForward Fellowship, which supports students exploring professional Jewish leadership opportunities.

Once you join Yavneh as a fellow, you remain part of the network for life.

Applications are open from May - July for the First Year Cohort, Lead Fellowship, and Yavneh Young Professionals.

Applications for Career Forward open in September for the following Spring semester.

Yavneh’s national initiatives are student created and lead projects that grew out of our Shtark Tank program. These initiatives provide students with opportunities to build community, explore shared interests, and create meaningful Jewish experiences beyond their own campuses. The full list of initiatives is updated throughout the year and can be found here, along with information about how to get involved or join.

Yes. Many of our fellows from schools like Yeshiva University, Stern, and Touro plan amazing Shabbat and social activities and find ways to improve their campus community. There are many opportunities at these schools for students to lead on their campus and participate in Yavneh national initiatives programs.

Yes. Our first year fellowship is a great time to get involved. Yavneh will connect you with a mentor who can help you host or join Shabbat meals, plan leadership activities, and think about ways to strengthen Jewish life on your campus. Our staff is also here to guide you through your first event and support you as you learn how to apply for funding and bring your ideas to life.

No. A gap year is not required. What matters most is your desire to build community on your campus.

Absolutely. Yavneh collaborates regularly with campus organizations. Partners should be listed when submitting a grant proposal. It’s a great way to find a space to have events and get supplemental funding.

The first year fellowship includes mentorship, leadership training, national Shabbatonim, campus programming during the fall and spring, and a required winter break trip to Israel with JNF-USA.

Fellows join monthly Zoom sessions, meet regularly with mentors, take part in fall and spring Shabbatonim, complete a spring leadership project, and have access to join national initiatives throughout the year.

Roadmap for first year fellows 25’-26’

Each fellow is paired with a mentor and meets with them at key points throughout the year, including fall shabbaton, after chagim, after winter break, and toward the end of spring semester. Our National Board plays an important role in matching first year fellows with experienced multi year fellows, ideally on the same campus, and making sure mentors check in.

The Yavneh staff also stay in close contact with fellows in each region, offering guidance on planning events, building community, and identifying areas where their campus Jewish life can grow.

Mentorship Breakdown

Each semester includes one Shabbaton, two or three one hour Zoom sessions with the first year cohort, coaching calls with the Yavneh staff and regular campus programming. Fellows also have chances to join national initiatives throughout the year. We understand that students are studying at a range of colleges and universities, so we work closely with each fellow to make sure the commitment is manageable and to support them throughout the year. Fellows are also expected to stay in communication with staff and national board members and to remain engaged with their campus mentor.

Yes. Fellows can apply for grants to support Shabbat meals, learning programs, and other community initiatives.

All grants must be approved before running the events, and additional details can be discussed with any National Board Finance member or through the finance email finances@yavneh.us

Event Workflow

Grant and Reimbursement form Links can be found in the resource tab above or by clicking here.

After your event is approved and completed, you submit receipts and required forms. Reimbursements for events should be completed within 1 week of the event.

Travel reimbursement should be completed by the date stated in the shabbaton email, which will also state the various modes of transportation available. All flights need to be booked with the Yavneh travel agent unless given express permission otherwise.

You can find the links to the grant and reimbursment forms here

Many students continue to advanced leadership tracks such as LEAD Fellows, CareerForward, and Yavneh Young Professionals. Others remain involved on their campuses or join National initiative programs.

Once you are a Yavneh fellow, you are in the Yavneh network for life, and our program resources are available for all fellows.