The StandWithUs Emerson Fellowship is a prestigious leadership program that equips and empowers pro-Israel students to educate their peers, combat misinformation, and build strong, engaged campus communities. Established in 2007 by philanthropists Steve and Rita Emerson, the Emerson Fellowship has grown into a global network of student activists who are leading with purpose – sharing Israel’s story, spearheading dynamic programs and campaigns, inspiring meaningful discussions on Israel and antisemitism, and fostering diverse communities of support for Israel. Through high-level training, hands-on guidance, and an extensive support system across StandWithUs, fellows gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence to tackle the most pressing challenges facing Jewish and pro-Israel students today and drive tangible impact.
StandWithUs Emerson Fellows participate in two transformative conferences, monthly expert-led webinars, and personalized mentorship from Campus Regional Managers who have the institutional knowledge to help them grow as effective leaders on campus. Participants gain priority access to StandWithUs speakers; innovative programs; custom educational materials; research, strategy, and legal support; and social media expertise to enhance their activism and reach. Throughout the program, Emerson Fellows are plugged into an international community of like minded peers where they can exchange ideas, support one another, and collaborate throughout the year.
This fellowship is designed for highly motivated, dedicated, and articulate student leaders who are ready to speak out, take initiative, inspire their peers, and help foster a safer, more inclusive, and more welcoming campus climate.
Upon successfully completing all program requirements, Emerson Fellows will receive a $1,000 stipend at the end of the academic year. Outstanding fellows may also be eligible for:
• The StandWithUs Roberta Seid Award for Courage and Leadership, which includes a $500 bonus stipend
• The StandWithUs Movement Builder Award for Creativity & Impact, which includes a $500 bonus stipend
• The StandWithUs Bridge Builder Award for Unity & Allyship, which includes a $500 bonus stipend
Select Emerson Fellows may be invited to become StandWithUs Campus Liaisons, a paid part-time role in which they mentor first-year students through StandWithUs FLI: First-Year Leadership Internship.
Conferences & Convenings
Emerson Fellows are expected to attend two major conferences and a virtual graduation ceremony:
● StandWithUs Emerson Fellowship Training Conference in California → August 2-6, 2026
○ This is a requirement to participate in the Emerson Fellowship. Those who cannot attend the conference in person will be expected to participate in virtual training.
● Annual International StandWithUs Conference in Spring 2027 Semester → Location & Dates to be Announced
○ This is a requirement to participate in the Emerson Fellowship. Those who cannot attend the conference in person will be expected to participate in a make-up virtual session and also complete one additional campus program
● StandWithUs Leadership Emerson Fellowship Virtual Graduation → on May 16, 2027 (Hosted via Zoom)
Emerson Fellows are also expected to participate in exclusive monthly virtual convenings to continue sharpening their knowledge and skills. During these webinars, fellows get to engage directly with a diverse array of experts and leaders in the field. Fellows will receive the full convening schedule for the year at the Emerson Fellowship Training Conference and are expected to reserve time in their calendars to attend.
• Participating in the Emerson Monthly Convenings is mandatory for all fellows. If you have a scheduling conflict, you’re expected to inform your Campus Regional Manager in advance and complete any make-up work.
Tailored Mentorship
Every Emerson Fellow is paired with a Campus Regional Manager who serves as their mentor and primary source of support throughout the year. Regional managers help fellows plan impactful programs, engage their peers in meaningful ways, and address their unique campus culture and local challenges.
Fellows are expected to meet bi-weekly with their Regional Manager to work closely on program planning, engagement strategies, and responding to any local incidents or trends. If fellows encounter antisemitism or anti-Zionism on campus, they are expected to report these incidents to StandWithUs staff and utilize organizational resources and strategies to respond. Regional managers will coordinate efforts across multiple departments and experts to provide timely, well rounded support.
Campus Regional Managers will guide Emerson Fellows in developing and executing a strategic engagement plan for the year using Movement Builder – an in-house platform designed to set goals, track progress, and create tangible and sustainable impact. Fellows will use this personalized roadmap to collaborate with their campus club, address local challenges, and organize meaningful initiatives that help shape campus discourse. Campus Managers will regularly reference fellows’ Movement Builder plans to help them stay on track with their goals and achieve them.
Program Requirements
Emerson Fellows are tasked with organizing a minimum of six in-person programs throughout the academic year. These programs should be creative, engaging, locally relevant, and educational – either focused on Israel or combating antisemitism. Campus Regional Managers will guide students through planning and will provide extensive resources including custom workshops, expert speakers, tabling displays, rally planning kits, free booklets, discussion guides, and social media graphics.
We expect Emerson Fellows to play a significant role in planning their events, while also collaborating with other student leaders, clubs/organizations, and academic departments to ensure strong execution and maximum reach. Fellows should incorporate StandWithUs programs and materials into their planning, and their Campus Regional Managers can help curate and customize our offerings to best meet their campus needs.
Potential programming ideas include (but are not limited to):
● Expert Speaker Briefing – Hosting a high-profile speaker, such as an Israeli diplomat, journalist, activist, expert, influencer, or survivor, to engage a diverse audience on key issues.
● Interactive Tabling – Using virtual reality, trivia, or activity stations to engage students in high-traffic areas and spark meaningful dialogue.
● Confronting Antisemitism Workshop – Educating students on how to recognize antisemitism in its various forms, call it out effectively, and take action to combat hate while fostering campus unity.
● Interfaith or Cross-Cultural Dialogue Event – Partnering with diverse student groups for a discussion on shared values, combating hate, and building bridges.
● Public Art Display or Installation – Creating a visual, high-impact installation that tells Israel’s story, highlights resilience, or commemorates significant events like October 7.
● Film Screening – Hosting a film screening on campus followed by q&a with the film’s director or a student-led discussion to debrief the topics discussed.
At least three of your programs must include:
1. A StandWithUs Workshop, Presentation, or Discussion Guide – StandWithUs offers a wide range of engaging presentations, workshops, and discussion-led programs you can bring to your campus at no cost. Your Campus Regional Manager will curate a list of options for you – you can even present on a topic together with them!
2. An Interactive Tabling or Display in a High-Traffic Area – Options include but aren’t limited to:
• StandWithUs Experiential Israel Programs (EIPs) (e.g., Gratitude Days, Squeeze Your Challenges, Spilling the Tea)
• Shine a Light on Antisemitism
• We Remember October 7
3. A Campus Awareness Campaign for at least one of the following commemorative days/months:
• Jewish Heritage Month (May)
• October 7 Commemoration
• Mizrahi Heritage Month (November)
• Expulsion of Jews from Arab Countries & Iran (November 30)
• International Holocaust Remembrance Day (January 27)
• Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day)
• Yom HaZikaron (Israeli Memorial Day)
• Yom Ha’atzmaut (Israeli Independence Day)
*No more than 1 of your planned programs should be primarily social or community-building.
Fellows must document each event by submitting Campus Program Reports that track attendance, measure impact, and collect high-quality photos. StandWithUs Campus banners will be provided to all fellows that should be displayed at every event. With the help of your Campus Regional Manager, these programs will be dynamic and impactful and help Emerson Fellows work toward achieving their Movement Builder goals.
Campus Engagement & Leadership
Emerson Fellows are expected to be visible voices for Israel on their campuses and be proactive in educating, mobilizing, and combating misinformation. Fellows should have leadership roles within the Jewish or pro-Israel community on campus and have the direct ability to organize their own programs.
As leaders on the ground, Emerson Fellows are expected to actively track and report antisemitic and anti-Israel activity to their Campus Regional Managers and work closely with StandWithUs experts to develop and execute strategic responses. You will be equipped with the tools, training, and guidance necessary to stand up for your rights, counter BDS efforts, debunk misinformation, and advocate effectively for your community with university leadership and key stakeholders.
Emerson Fellows operate in direct partnership with the broader organization – including our Legal Team, Research & Strategy Department, Social Media specialists, and Holocaust Education Center – leveraging these institutional resources to amplify their efforts, demand accountability, and drive meaningful institutional change.
Additional Expectations
The Emerson Fellowship spans over a full academic year, which means students must be enrolled in school and physically on campus for the entire academic year. Students studying abroad or graduating early are ineligible for the program.
The StandWithUs Emerson Fellowship is an exclusive program, meaning students cannot participate in other national pro-Israel fellowships or represent other
national pro-Israel organizations during their time as an Emerson Fellow.
Emerson Fellows are also required to recruit a replacement at the end of the academic year to secure your legacy.
When writing articles or giving interviews, Emerson Fellows must consult their Campus Regional Manager and the StandWithUs Director of Media Relations, who will be able to help with messaging, publishing, and broader amplification to our networks.
Throughout the year, Emerson Fellows will be evaluated based on:
✔ Leadership and campus engagement
✔ Quality and impact of programs
✔ Effectiveness in mobilizing peers
✔ Responding to antisemitism/anti-Israel incidents
✔ Communication and responsiveness
✔ Fulfilling all event and reporting requirements
While not mandatory, Emerson Fellows are strongly encouraged to recruit for StandWithUs FLI: First-Year Leadership Internship in the Fall and Spring to help cultivate the next generation of emerging leaders on campus.
At the end of the year, fellows must complete our End of Year Survey to close out their fellowship.
Alumni of the program are inducted into the StandWithUs Alumni Network, a unique platform that offers fellowship alumni opportunities to stay connected to StandWithUs and to each other. Through specialized programs, campaigns, and resources, alumni can continue their activism and leadership, stay up-to-date with StandWithUs national and local events, find job opportunities in the field, and so much more.
Through the StandWithUs Emerson Fellowship, you’ll gain invaluable leadership experience, exclusive training, and a global community of young changemakers. You’ll work alongside top experts in Israel education, media, law, public speaking,
and grassroots activism – with full support from StandWithUs every step of the way. Now more than ever, you can play a critical role in combating misinformation,
fostering meaningful dialogue, and making an impact for Israel and your community.
Applications close on April 20, 2026. Apply HERE: https://standwithus emerson-application.paperform.co