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 will be comprised of up to 20 rising juniors and seniors who will spend their year as part of both a think tank and do tank, exploring key issues facing the Jewish community today. They will meet weekly as a cohort with thought leaders and educators in the Jewish community and beyond; they will 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 late April. AJLI participants should expect to commit up to 3 hours per week including attending cohort gatherings weekly.

Applications are due by 5 pm on Monday, May 5. Rising juniors and seniors who will be spending the full ’25-26 academic year on campus (ie not studying abroad) who identify as Jewish are eligible to apply. Rising seniors who are graduating early 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.

Questions? Email Shana Zionts, Associate Director.

Apply here:

AJLI Cohort Five Application

Name(Required)
School(Required)
Year(Required)
What we're looking for in a response: Genuine passion for and interest in the fellowship; sincere reflection on what you are hoping to get out of the experience; a clearly articulated commitment to full participation in all aspects of AJLI
What we're looking for in a response: Reflection on the identities, qualities and interests that would make you a strong member of Cohort 5.
What we're looking for in a response: A creative, well thought-out idea that integrates Judaism/Jewish leadership with your interests or a big question you have. The idea you share here does not necessarily need to be your final ILP.
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