ALEF | ACCESS Leadership Fellowship

In today’s complex world, young Jewish professionals are looking for meaningful ways to lead with impact, advocate for the Jewish people, and build strong communities rooted in shared values. AJC’s ACCESS Leadership Fellowship (ALEF) is our flagship leadership development and advocacy training experience for Jewish professionals aged 22–40.

While the Fellowship may vary by city, all participating cohorts are built on the ALEF model — empowering young leaders through high-impact programming, deep community building, and real-world advocacy experiences aligned with AJC’s global mission.

What Fellows Gain

When involved in an ALEF program, participants become part of a growing network of Jewish changemakers committed to strengthening Jewish life, standing up for democratic values, and connecting with Israel and the global Jewish community.

Fellows benefit from:

• A deeper understanding of antisemitism, past and present
• Tools to navigate personal and professional life in a post–October 7 world
• Practical advocacy and leadership skills grounded in Jewish values
• Off-the-record access to global leaders, diplomats, and policy experts
• Invitations to ACCESS Global and AJC Marshall Society programming
• A discounted rate to attend AJC Global Forum
• Ongoing connections to peers and mentors across the AJC network

Program Highlights

Participants meet regularly for dynamic sessions and experiences that may include:

• Antisemitism Then and Now: How hatred evolves — and how we respond
• Advocacy in Action: Storytelling, coalition-building, and relationship development
• Inside Diplomacy: Exclusive meetings with global leaders and changemakers
• Israel and the Diaspora: Closing the communication gap
• ACCESS Global: Tapping into the global young Jewish leadership network
• Community Connections: Shabbat dinners, happy hours, and networking

Commitment and Leadership Investment

ALEF programs are a gateway to meaningful Jewish leadership — not just for one year, but for the long term.

If accepted, Fellows are expected to make a $625 philanthropic investment to join AJC’s Marshall Society, our community of young professional donors.

This is not a tuition fee, but a declaration of commitment to:

• AJC’s mission and values
• Your long-term role in Jewish advocacy and diplomacy
• A network of peers invested in strengthening Jewish life and global Jewish leadership

This investment is a required part of the program and opens the door to:

• Your participation in an ALEF program
• Access to exclusive Marshall Society events, leadership briefings, and travel opportunities
• A lifelong connection to AJC’s mission and global community

We understand financial situations vary. If the gift poses a barrier, we offer confidential, needs-based adjustments — because we are committed to ensuring access for all qualified Fellows.

After the Fellowship

Graduates of ALEF programs are invited to stay connected through:

• Continued leadership development and national briefings
• Local and global alumni gatherings
• ACCESS Global advocacy initiatives
• A personalized pathway for deeper involvement in AJC’s work

ALEF alumni maximize their leadership development by maintaining their Marshall Society membership beyond participation in ALEF programs. Learn more here.

Interested in Joining?

Recruitment for ALEF programs typically opens in late summer to early fall.

To learn more about the fellowship or a local cohort in your city, contact your regional ACCESS staff or reach out to the ACCESS Global team at access@ajc.org.