GESHER TEEN BOARD MEMBERS
Program Details:
The Gesher Teen Board Member program aims to elevate and empower teen voices in our Baltimore Jewish Community by supporting the inclusion and participation of Jewish teens on governing boards of Jewish non-profit organizations in our local community. Gesher, or bridge, represents the metaphorical bridge these teens will create between community leadership, the next generation, and our community’s future. Through this initiative, organizations will be benefited through the inclusion of teen voices and perspectives, and teens will receive the opportunity to develop their skills, network, and understanding of the framework of our Jewish community.
Teens selected to serve as Gesher Teen Board Members will be responsible for participating as active members on their selected organization’s board, as well as participate in 4 Gesher workshops throughout the calendar year, beginning with a kick-off orientation in September.
Dates: September 2025 – June 2026
Grades: 12th Grade
Applications: Opening May 2025
Gesher Teens Will Receive:
- Immerse in a unique, resume-building opportunity to learn about Jewish communal leadership
- Engage in a first-hand experience in non-profit governance structures, budgeting, organizational decision making, and more
- Network and build connections with local and national Jewish leaders
- Experience the “behind-the-scenes” of Jewish leadership and how organizations respond to emerging trends and changes in Jewish life
- Develop leadership skills through board participation and Gesher Teen workshops
- Advocate for themselves and their peers in a place of power and decision making in our community
Application & Selection Process:
- Late April: Nominations for the Gesher fellowship open. Nominations are made by Community Engagement Professionals
- May: Nominated teens are invited to complete their application. The application includes a statement of intent, either in writing or via video, and a short 30-minute interview. During the interview process, teens identify their organizational preference for board placement.
- Summer: Acceptances and organizational placements will be announced
- Note: A number of Gesher partner organizations operate their own application process and select teens internally from their organization.
For more information, please contact: Rabbi Chanan Gans at [email protected]
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