Leaders for Tomorrow (LFT)
AJC’s Flagship Leadership Development Initiative for High School Students
LFT is AJC’s premier, year-long leadership program that empowers Jewish high school students to build confident Jewish identities. Through immersive learning, hands-on experiences, and skill-building, LFT prepares students to combat antisemitism, engage meaningfully with their communities, and advocate for the Jewish people and Israel—in high school, on campus, and beyond.
At AJC, we recognize that students are not just future leaders, but leaders today.
LFT proactively equips Jewish teens with the knowledge and network to meet the challenges they face in high school and on their future college campus. With access to our network of over 3,500 alumni, LFT students continue to support each other as they bring their advocacy skills into the halls of government and their local communities.
Why Join LFT?
✔ Monthly Sessions – Meet once a month for engaging, interactive sessions (approx. 2.5 hours per session).
✔ Seven-Month Program – Runs from November to May and is designed to fit into a busy high school schedule.
✔ Impactful Curriculum – Explore Jewish identity, antisemitism, Israeli history, and the Arab-Israeli conflict while developing real-world advocacy skills.
✔ Exclusive D.C. Advocacy Experience – Travel to Washington, D.C., for a three-day immersive advocacy program, where you’ll meet government leaders, lobby on Capitol Hill, and connect with LFT students from across the country.
Whether you’re looking for an in-person or virtual experience, we offer cohorts across 13 regions nationwide—so no matter where you are, there’s a place for you in LFT.
During the 2025-2026 school year, LFT will be hosted in Atlanta, Chicago, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Long Island, Miami, New England (Boston), San Diego, Washington, D.C., Westchester/Fairfield, and New York through the Sophie and Bernard Gould Leaders for Tomorrow Program in New York City. Any student unable to participate in one of our in-person cohorts can apply for our nationwide virtual cohort.
Applications for 2025-2026 are now open! Click here to apply.
Have questions? Contact [email protected].
We can’t wait to welcome you into the LFT community!
