The Peer Leadership Fellowship is a signature program of the Jewish Teen Initiative (JTI) at Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP) that trains and empowers teens in grades 10 through 12 to become communal connectors. Fellows reimagine how they can develop meaningful relationships with their peers, helping to create a more connected and inclusive community for teens throughout Greater Boston.
Fellows meet monthly (in real life and virtually), building a team of leaders who are strengthening each other and their community while helping peers connect to the vast menu of opportunities available to Jewish teens in their community and beyond and reducing the stigmas that surround mental health and wellness.
Program Eligibility, Schedule and Stipend
- Teens who will be in grades 10-12 during the 2023-2024 school year are eligible for this program. Currently, this opportunity is open to teens in CJP’s catchment area.
- Monthly training seminars (2-3 hours each) are held on Sunday afternoons throughout the Greater Boston community. A draft calendar for the coming year will be available at the conclusion of the application process.
- Fellows devote approximately 8-10 hours per month to the program, with the majority of that time flexible to each Fellow’s schedule.
- Fellows receive a $500 annual stipend, which is an investment in their work as leaders in our community, and recognizes this effort as a job with accountability, resume prestige, training and deliverables.
Participate in Leadership and Training Opportunities
- Kick-Off Training Seminar Retreat: Fellows start the year with an immersive relational engagement and skill-building experience, establishing community and creating the foundation for their work throughout the year.
- Monthly Training Seminars: Fellows receive training in relational engagement, empathetic listening, mental health and wellness, inclusion awareness and advocacy, and leadership skills development.
- Community Service: Fellows make an impact on the Greater Boston community by helping to lead a project or team at regional community service days held in partnership with youth-serving organizations and synagogues throughout the year.
- Senior Fellows: Participants who have successfully completed one year of the Fellowship are invited to apply for an increased leadership role. Opportunities are personalized and include (but are not limited to): data analysis, social media ambassadors, peer mentoring, workshop facilitation and other passion projects.
- National Learning and Training Opportunities: At various points throughout the year, Fellows may take advantage of learning and connecting with other Fellows and communities from throughout the country.