Alexander Jewish Leadership Institute
AJLI is a first of its kind initiative to expand upon the leadership development model proven successful for professionals and lay leadership in the Jewish world and constructed specifically to champion Columbia and Barnard student leaders.
Cohort five of AJLI is composed of 20 rising juniors and seniors who are spending their year as part of both a think tank and do tank, exploring key issues facing the Jewish community today. They meet weekly as a cohort with thought leaders and educators in the Jewish community and beyond; they develop and execute an Individual Learning Plan (ILP), and they will spend a week of winter break exploring challenges and opportunities of Jewish life in a Jewish community abroad. The AJLI year begins with a full-day retreat in September and concludes with an End of Year Dinner in April.
Applications for Cohort 6 of AJLI, which will take place during the ‘26-’27 academic year will open in April 2026. Rising juniors and seniors who will be spending the full ’26-27 academic year on campus (ie not studying abroad) who identify as Jewish will be eligible to apply. Rising seniors who are graduating in the winter may apply if they plan to be local and able to fully participate in the spring semester. Applicants will be notified about their candidacy and invited to interview by the end of May 2026.
Questions? Email Shana Zionts (she/her), shana@hillel.columbia.edu, Associate Director.
