Robert M. Beren Bridge Builders Fellowship
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Posted By: Dazia Wallerson on 04/06/2026 | ||||||||
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Applications are now open for Robert M. Beren Bridge Builders Fellowship—a joint initiative between the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM) and the African American Mayors Association (AAMA). This program invites students attending or entering Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to join a new generation of leaders dedicated to reinforcing the longstanding alliance between Jewish and African American communities.
Through scholarships, leadership development, and collaborative learning, the program equips fellows with the knowledge, networks, and resources to advance dialogue, confront antisemitism and racism, and build lasting bridges between communities. It draws inspiration from the legacy of leaders such as Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel and Martin Luther King Jr. Fellowship Experience: The Robert M. Beren Bridge Builders Fellowship is a year long leadership program designed to bring together emerging leaders from Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Jewish student leaders to learn, engage, and build lasting partnerships. Throughout the fellowship, participants will take part in a series of interactive learning sessions, leadership workshops, and discussions exploring the history of Black Jewish cooperation, the challenges facing both communities today, and the opportunities to rebuild trust and partnership for the future. Sessions will feature scholars, community leaders, elected officials, and activists who will share insights and guide fellows in developing their leadership skills. A key component of the program is the collaboration between Bridge Builders Fellows and Jewish students affiliated with the Tikvah Fund. Fellows will form teams and participate in joint dialogue sessions, allowing participants to exchange perspectives, deepen understanding, and build meaningful relationships across communities. Throughout the year, fellows will work together to design and develop practical initiatives aimed at strengthening Black Jewish cooperation in their communities. At the end of the fellowship, teams will present their projects to a panel of judges. Selected projects will receive up to $10,000 in funding and mentorship support from the Combat Antisemitism Movement to help bring these initiatives to life. How the Contest Works: Students are invited to participate in a national contest as the first step to becoming a Robert M. Beren Bridge Builders Fellow. Applicants are encouraged to submit an original essay, video, or work of art exploring the history of cooperation between Jewish and African American communities in the United States and sharing their ideas for how that partnership can be strengthened for the future. Submissions should reflect creativity, leadership, and a commitment to building stronger relationships between communities. Following a review process conducted by a panel of distinguished judges and interviews with selected candidates, twenty students will be chosen as Robert M. Beren Bridge Builders Fellows. Each fellow will receive a $10,000 scholarship paid directly to their enrolled Historically Black College or University and will join a year long leadership program focused on dialogue, learning, and developing projects that strengthen Black Jewish partnership across the United States. C O N T E S T P R O M P T S P R O M P T 1: Shared History, Shared Future Explore a moment in history when Jewish and African American communities stood together to advance justice or civil rights. Why does this partnership matter today, and how can your generation strengthen this alliance for the future? Format: Essay Length: Up to 1,000 words P R O M P T 2: Building Bridges in Your Community Identify a challenge or misunderstanding that exists today between communities. What practical idea, project, or initiative would you create to bring people together, build trust, and promote cooperation? Format: Essay Length: Up to 1,000 words P R O M P T 3: Leadership Against Hate Antisemitism and racism continue to affect communities across the United States. What role should young leaders play in confronting prejudice and promoting unity? Share your vision for how students and communities can work together to stand against hate. Format: Essay Length: Up to 1,000 words ENTRY GUIDELINES Eligibility: Only open to students attending or entering Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Deadline: June 1, 2026 How to Enter: All entries must be submitted digitally via the contest’s online entry form, below. Find below some resources to inspire you and help you think about ideas. Rules: 1. Eligibility is limited to students attending or entering Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). 2. Entries may be submitted in the format specified for the selected prompt. Submission format, length, and requirements vary by prompt. Please refer to each prompt for detailed guidance and structure. 3. Each submission must demonstrate detailed and meaningful research on the historical relationship between Jewish and Black Americans. 4. Sources must be listed for any submission that includes factual or historical information. A formal citation style is not required; a brief list of credible sources is sufficient. 5. All essay submissions must reflect original student work. CAM will use AI-detection tools as part of the review process. 6. By entering the contest, participants grant the contest organizers the right to reproduce or display submissions for educational and promotional purposes, with appropriate credit. | |
| Scholarship/Grant Site: https://info.combatantisemitism.org/rmb |
