Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership is offering graduate fellowships to offset education costs for qualified students accepted to Spertus Institute’s Master of Arts or Executive Master of Arts in Jewish Professional Studies by June 30, 2019.

Fellowships are available for employees of Jewish agencies and organizations who are committed to continuing their work in the Jewish community. Funds will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. The 2019-2020 Chicago cohort of the MAJPS program begins August 19, 2019. The next cohort of the accelerated executive version of the program (a yearlong program for those who have worked in the field for 12+ years) begins June 7, 2020.

The Master of Arts in Jewish Professional Studies program brings together experienced Jewish professionals to both advance their careers and enhance the contributions they bring to Jewish agencies and institutions.

The program’s cohort-based learning model fosters the development of a network of professional colleagues. Mentoring by local Jewish leaders provides one-on-one advisement on areas of personal strength and fosters the integration of theory and practice. Participants graduate with critical leadership skills, stronger communal links, and real insight into how to meet Jewish community needs.

This opportunity comes at a time when trained Jewish professionals are in high demand. A report by the Bridgespan Group estimates that 75-90% of Jewish nonprofits will need new executive leadership 2024. The study cautions that without field-wide professional development programs committed to training the next generation of Jewish leaders, the demand for new executives will be difficult to meet.

Full tuition for both the two-year-long program MA program and yearlong accelerated Executive MA program is $19,000. For those who meet the requirements, fellowships provide a tuition reduction of approximately 60% bringing the cost of the entire program to just over $7,500.

Additional scholarship support may also be available. Full information can be found at spertus.edu or by contacting Director of Enrollment Anita Silvert at asilvert@spertus.edu.

Spertus Institute’s Center for Jewish Leadership is supported by a generous grant from the Crown Family.