CareerForward expands fellowship to prepare students for Jewish nonprofit careers

In a landscape where many Jewish professionals outside the communal sector admit limited awareness of the nonprofit world, a new fellowship is seeking to bridge that gap. CareerForward, an impact‑driven program launched by the Orthodox Union’s JLIC Yavneh, is opening its second cohort to college juniors across North America, offering a structured pathway into the vibrant ecosystem of Jewish nonprofit work. Applications remain open through October 25, and the initiative arrives at a moment when the sector reports both high employee pride and a noticeable youth presence, underscoring the potential for fresh talent to shape its future.

Why the fellowship matters: addressing a knowledge gap

According to the “2025 State of Jewish Nonprofit Talent” report by Leading Edge, more than half of Jewish professionals who operate outside the communal arena say they are unfamiliar with the range of opportunities that Jewish nonprofits provide. This disconnect can limit the flow of skilled talent into organizations that drive education, media, advocacy, social services, and community building. By targeting college juniors—students poised to enter the workforce in the near term—CareerForward aims to make the nonprofit career track visible and attainable.

The same report highlights that 87 % of current nonprofit employees feel proud of their work, a sentiment that exceeds the broader U.S. benchmark. Moreover, a fifth of the sector’s workforce is under 30, indicating that young professionals already play a significant role. The fellowship seeks to amplify this trend, turning curiosity into concrete experience and, ultimately, a sustainable career.

Program structure: two tracks, one mission

CareerForward operates under the OU Leadership Pipeline Initiative and leverages JLIC’s extensive campus network, which reaches thousands of students active in Jewish life across the continent. The fellowship offers two distinct pathways: a Formal Educator Track and a Nonprofit Track. Both tracks share core components—weekly placements, career coaching, virtual seminars, and a capstone project—while tailoring experiences to the specific needs of each stream.

The new Formal Educator Track responds directly to a shortage of teachers in Jewish day schools, a challenge documented by Prizmah, the national association of day schools. Fellows in this track spend a week each semester working side‑by‑side with experienced teachers in local schools, gaining hands‑on classroom experience that can translate into future full‑time teaching roles. Meanwhile, Nonprofit Track participants rotate through organizations that focus on leadership, community impact, and the mechanics of building sustainable nonprofit careers.

Hands‑on learning: placements and mentorship

From the spring of their junior year through the fall of their senior year, fellows receive weekly placement opportunities that immerse them in real‑world nonprofit environments. The first cohort secured internships at a range of prominent institutions, including the Jewish Federations of North America, Prizmah, the Shalom Task Force, OpenDor Media, the TEACH Coalition, Yachad, and the Beit Din of America. These placements gave participants exposure to diverse operational models—from national advocacy to community‑based service delivery.

Mentorship is a cornerstone of the fellowship. Fellows work one‑on‑one with professional career coaches who help translate personal interests into actionable career plans. They also attend six virtual seminars led by seasoned professionals, covering topics such as organizational leadership, fundraising, program design, and the nuances of nonprofit governance. This blend of practical experience and strategic guidance equips participants with a holistic view of the sector.

Building community: networking and cultural immersion

Beyond the workplace, CareerForward emphasizes community building among its fellows. A Shabbaton and a New York City workday bring participants together with peers and senior Jewish professionals, fostering relationships that often extend beyond the fellowship’s formal timeline. These events underscore the program’s dual focus on professional development and the reinforcement of Jewish communal ties.

Rabbi Jonathan Shulman, JLIC’s chief program officer, notes that the OU and JLIC occupy a unique position to tap into a “talent pool of thousands of college students across North America.” By identifying emerging leaders early, the fellowship not only equips them with the skills needed for nonprofit success but also aligns their personal passion for Jewish life with concrete career pathways that serve the broader community.

Impact stories: alumni reflections

Participants from the inaugural cohort have already begun to see the fellowship’s influence on their career trajectories. Ethan Birk, a student at Yeshiva University’s Sy Syms School of Business, described how meeting professionals “only a few years out of school” made the nonprofit path feel tangible and realistic. He highlighted the clarity he gained regarding the variety of roles available and how he could envision his own fit within the sector.

Another alumnus, Bailey Spitz, now pursuing a J.D. at Fordham University School of Law, leveraged the fellowship to secure an internship with the Beit Din of America. She emphasized the unique opportunity to blend her legal ambitions with nonprofit work, illustrating how CareerForward can serve as a bridge between interdisciplinary interests and sector‑specific experience.

Future outlook: scaling the program

The second cohort will expand to 25 students, with 10‑15 participants entering the Formal Educator Track. This growth reflects both the demand for structured pathways into Jewish nonprofit work and the program’s capacity to accommodate a larger, more diverse group of aspiring professionals. By scaling up, CareerForward aims to deepen its impact on the sector’s talent pipeline, ensuring that organizations have access to well‑prepared candidates ready to assume leadership roles.

Organizations interested in hosting fellows can reach out directly via the program’s contact email, signaling an open invitation for the nonprofit community to engage with the next generation of talent. As the fellowship continues to mature, its partnership model—linking educational institutions, community foundations, and nonprofit employers—offers a replicable framework for other sectors seeking to cultivate a skilled workforce.

How to apply: next steps for interested students

College juniors who wish to join the fellowship can submit their applications through the OU JLIC website before the October 25 deadline. The application process invites candidates to demonstrate their commitment to Jewish communal life, articulate career aspirations, and outline how they envision contributing to the nonprofit sector. For organizations looking to host a fellow, the program provides a straightforward contact channel, encouraging a collaborative approach to talent development.

As the Jewish nonprofit ecosystem continues to evolve, initiatives like CareerForward play a crucial role in aligning youthful enthusiasm with professional expertise. By offering structured exposure, mentorship, and real‑world experience, the fellowship not only addresses the current knowledge gap but also helps ensure the sector’s vitality for years to come.

This article was produced with AI-assisted research and editorial support. Reporting is based on the source material cited below. Sources: JNS (Jewish News Syndicate); jns.org; Global1.News (12 October 2026).

By Hannah Berg, Staff Writer