We are looking for Jewish students with diverse leadership experience who seek out opportunities for growth.

Qualifications:

• Identifies as Jewish (no prior formal Jewish learning, education or affiliation is required)

• Enrolled in an undergraduate degree program in North America, having finished at least one year

• Has a track-record of leadership and the ability to apply the skills gained at Campus Commons over the course of the semester.

Successful candidates hold a leadership position, formally or informally, for a club, activity, internship, or other program. Leadership experiences need-not be specifically with Jewish activities.

If you're too young to apply this year, please add your name to this form.

Both cohorts include a 5-day retreat and six virtual implementation sessions, taking place December 2026-March 2027.

Cohort 4:

• Retreat: Sunday-Thursday, January 10-14, 2027 in Falls Village, CT

• Six virtual sessions on Wednesdays, 7-8:30pm ET/4-5:30pm PT

Cohort 5:

• Retreat: Thursday-Monday, January 14-18, 2027 (MLK Day Weekend) in Falls Village, CT

• Six virtual sessions on Sundays, 7-8:30pm ET/4-5:30pm PT

Full schedule to come soon.

The process includes an application submission, due on Monday, November 2nd. The application has two short answer questions, a 2-minute video, and a request for a reference. A full preview can be found here. All applicants will be notified of their application status in November.

The retreat will take place at a Jewish and Kosher retreat center in Falls Village, CT.

Campus Commons is more than a leadership program; it is a professional development experience that equips students with the skills, opportunities, and network to strengthen their leadership capacity and support their professional growth. More information can be found here.

Yes, it is!

All costs related to the program including accommodations, meals, and roundtrip travel from New York City to the retreat site, are fully covered by the program, thanks to the generous support of UJA-Federation of New York.

If applicable, students are responsible for covering their travel to and from New York City. A travel assistance fund for those who need financial support is available for students traveling from outside New York City. We are committed to financial equity to ensure an exceptional experience for every student.

In addition, we do not want financial considerations to limit participation in Campus Commons. We offer program accessibility stipends for those whose ability to participate in our program would otherwise be limited by work, expenses, or other circumstances.

We do not want financial considerations to limit participation in Campus Commons. We offer program accessibility stipends for those whose ability to participate in our program would otherwise be limited by work, expenses, or other circumstances. More information about stipends will be shared as part of the Campus Commons application.

Campus Commons cohort members are eligible to apply for a paid Campus Commons Internship as a part of the cohort experience. Interns will receive training, a stipend, and micro-funding to bring a project back to their home campus.

The Bronfman Fellowship and Campus Commons envisions a future led by people who see the world through a lens broader than their own and who value Jewish learning as an instrument for discovery, creativity, and change. See more here!

Positive Pluralism is the deep understanding that a person can learn and grow from relationships with those who are different from them, and the recognition that this ability can and should be nurtured. Most importantly, it’s the knowledge that therein lies the key to a better future. Positive Pluralism has its roots in ancient Jewish wisdom, grows strong with self-exploration and discovery, and stretches its branches in all directions to an improved world.

No! The Bronfman Fellowship is a nonpartisan, non-political organization. We are committed to bringing people together from a wide spectrum of beliefs, backgrounds, and affiliations.

We strive to make Shabbat a comfortable and meaningful experience for all cohort members. Cohort members who are Shomer Shabbat (Shabbat observant) can observe fully on Campus Commons. In addition, all students will work together with staff support to create a pluralistic Shabbat experience during weekend retreats. There will be space to indicate on the application if you would like to talk to our team about your Shabbat observance at the retreat.

All of our food meets OU (Orthodox Union) Kosher standards.

We are committed to building a cohort from as wide a Jewish spectrum as possible, including but not limited to diversity in religious and cultural affiliation, race, ethnicity, spiritual beliefs, place of origin, socioeconomic status, gender, sexual orientation, and political views. As a diverse community, we have the opportunity to learn from one another and to appreciate and value distinctiveness as a source of strength. We strive to maintain an open atmosphere and encourage cohort members to bring their whole selves to the program.

We are committed to building a community from as wide a Jewish spectrum as possible. There is no religious requirement for the program other than that you self-identify as Jewish.

Campus Commons is generously supported by a range of foundations and individual donors, including UJA-Federation of New York. More information about our supporters can be found here.

The Campus Commons program is led by The Bronfman Fellowship, which has 40 years of experience in fostering pluralistic Jewish community and leadership through our flagship year-long Fellowship program for Jewish teenagers in North America and Israel, and through programming for our vibrant alumni community. Our 1,600+ alumni have significant impact on the Jewish world and beyond through their work as community builders, deep thinkers, moral voices, and cultural creators. Learn more at bronfman.org.

Please contact campuscommons@bronfman.org.