Experience Diller Teen Fellows San Francisco: One Year to Inspire Lifelong Leadership

Founded in San Francisco in 1998 by the Helen Diller Family Foundation, the Diller Teen Fellows program has become the premier leadership development initiative for Jewish teens in the 11th grade (apply for the fellowship as a current 10th grader).

Program Overview

The Diller Teen Fellows program offers a yearlong leadership experience that empowers teens to explore their Jewish identities and develop into activated leaders committed to tikkun olam (repairing the world).

Diller Teen Fellows are curious about the world around them, passionate about expanding their points of view, mindful of the role of Judaism in their lives, focused on meaningful connections, and determined to make the world a better place.

Throughout the year, participants will:

Explore Key Themes: Engage with topics such as Jewish identity, social action, leadership, community building, philanthropy, and Israel education.
Build Connections: Form meaningful relationships within a tight-knit group of peers, and collaborate on charitable initiatives.

And get the opportunity to take part in:

Local workshops (mifgashim)
Hands-on opportunities to lead tikkun olam (heal the world) initiatives
Local weekend retreats (shabbatonim)
A weeklong visit from partnership community from Upper Galilee
A summer seminar in Israel with 700 Diller fellows from around the world

Transformative Experience

Participants leave the Diller program with a shifted perspective and a dedication to enacting positive change in their communities. Our goal is to cultivate future generations of active, effective leaders with:

A strong Jewish identity Commitment to the Jewish people
Respect for pluralism
A deep love for Israel

How to apply

To apply to the Diller Teen Fellows (as a current 10th grader), please complete our online application form when it reopens.

“It is never too late, too early, or too often to give back and make the world a better place.”

Helen Diller

FAQs

When can I apply?

Applications open every Spring.

What does the application include?

Applications to Diller Teen Fellows San Francisco will include:

Complete an online application
Submit two references. Recommendations should be from someone who knows the teen in a structured setting, such as a school teacher, guidance counselor, youth group advisor, coach, clergy member, job supervisor, director of extracurricular, etc. Forms should be sent directly to your references to complete.
Participate in a group interview with other San Francisco Diller applicants. Interview slots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, so we encourage you to submit your application early in order to secure your desired time slot.

Who is eligible?

Prospective applicants must be current 10th grade students who reside in the Bay Area. We are looking for applicants who represent the Bay Area in all of its diversity. Teens of all backgrounds including race, socioeconomic, gender identity, sexual identity, ethnicity, and Jewish identity are encouraged to apply.

What does the fellowship program include?

The yearlong fellowship program includes:

13 Sunday afternoon workshops, four hours each
Three weekend retreats (shabbatonim)
A three week summer seminar, which offers participants the chance to experience the culture and history of Israel while also engaging in community service.
A ten day hosting opportunity in which San Francisco fellows host fellows.

What kind of opportunities will I have to experience?

The select group of 20 Fellows will learn and experience:

Design thinking
Collaboration skills
Grant project that represents tikkum olam (heal the world)
Relationship-building across the globe High-impact volunteering activities
Deepened connection to Jewish identity, pluralism, peoplehood and Israel

If accepted, what is the cost of the program?

Each participant receives a $10,000 subsidy from both the Helen Diller Family Foundation and the Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund, which brings the program cost to $3,800 per Fellow, including a program deposit.

The Diller Teen Fellows program offers need-based scholarships to its participants upon acceptance into the program.