Springboard Fellowship 2025 (United States)

The Springboard Fellowship 2025 at Hillel International is a two-year paid program designed for recent college graduates committed to enhancing Jewish student life on campuses across North America. Fellows will engage in community building, support program initiatives, and serve as Jewish role models while receiving professional development.

To apply for the Springboard Fellowship at Hillel International, candidates should be recent graduates or graduating seniors within the last three years, have a passion for improving Jewish life on college campuses, and demonstrate interest in student engagement and leadership.

Participants in the Springboard Fellowship at Hillel International benefit from professional development opportunities, networking with colleagues, mentorship, and a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off, along with a competitive starting salary.

The Springboard Fellowship focuses on engagement and community building by allowing fellows to foster relationships with students, conduct programs that meet diverse interests, and create inclusive Jewish experiences. This active involvement is crucial for shaping a vibrant Jewish campus community.

The application process for the Springboard Fellowship at Hillel International includes five parts: submitting general information and references, responding to short questions, indicating placement preferences, providing additional demographic information, and completing a video interview segment.

Engaging students in Jewish life involves active participation in campus events, forming meaningful relationships, and being approachable. Share personal stories about your Jewish journey, and create welcoming spaces for discussion and learning.

Community building requires demonstrating leadership and collaboration. Draw on experiences from college where you led groups, organized events, or facilitated discussions that brought students together and fostered a sense of belonging.

Consider proposing a 'Jewish Culture Week' where students explore different aspects of Jewish life through workshops, guest speakers, and interactive experiences. This can build curiosity and inclusiveness within the community.

Supporting Jewish identity development can involve creating safe spaces for discussions on Jewish values and rituals. Enhance understanding through storytelling, workshops, and diverse educational experiences that invite exploration.

Share a specific incident where you navigated conflict or a lack of participation. Discuss the steps you took to mediate, communicate openly with team members, and ultimately find a resolution that benefited the group.

Essential skills for a Springboard Fellow include strong communication, adaptability, empathy, and the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse groups. These skills are crucial for engaging students and building a supportive community.

Address resistance by listening actively to student concerns and seeking to understand their perspectives. Use this feedback to develop more inclusive and appealing programming that resonates with the student body.

Reflect on your personal experiences with Jewish community: discuss the support, identity, and traditions that are important to you. This personal insight can convey your passion for strengthening the community in your role.

Building partnerships involves outreach to understand shared interests and goals. Propose collaborative events or initiatives that allow for cross-cultural engagement and celebrate diversity while promoting Jewish values.

Share your personal motivations: discuss inspiring leaders, transformative educational experiences, or your deep-seated commitment to uplifting Jewish student life, and how this fellowship aligns with that vision.