Campus Commons is open to any full-time college student who:

• Identifies as Jewish.

• Has completed at least one year of college (sophomore or above).

Due to requirements from our funder, early preference will be given to students who are from NY and/or who attend a NY college.

If you're too young to apply this year, please add your name to this form.

We are looking for students who seek out opportunities for intellectual growth, and who have a track record for connecting with individuals whose views and experiences differ from their own.

Each cohort of Bridge Builders will comprise a mixture of students who are and are not formally involved in Jewish life on campus.  

We do NOT look at grades and transcripts when selecting Bridge Builders.

Due to requirements from our funder, early preference will be given to students who are from NY and/or who attend a NY college.

In addition to the skills and knowledge you'll gain and the connections you'll make, you will receive a Certificate in Relationship Building Across Difference.

Thanks for your interest! Fill out this form and we'll let you know when our next application opens.

Starting May 1, 2025 we are accepting applications for Cohorts 2 and 3.

Cohort 2:
May 1: Open Application
June 30: Priority Deadline
September 10: Final Deadline (rolling)

Cohort 3:
October 27: Second-round applications open
November 24: Final Deadline

A preview of the application will be available; check back later.

We expect all work on your Campus Commons application to be your own. Applicants who use generative AI on their application may be disqualified.

The writer can be a peer or anyone else who knows you well, other than your immediate family members. Please keep in mind that this is a character reference and not an academic recommendation.

Yes, it is! All programming is included, and food, travel from NYC, and accommodation for the in-person seminar are fully covered.

We will offer roundtrip travel from NY to our retreat site and all retreat expenses are covered by the program. We have a travel fund available for those who live outside of New York and need support for their travel. No one has ever or will ever be turned away because of cost and no one will be asked to produce any financial documents

We have limited stipends available for those whose ability to participate in our program is limited by work, expenses, or other circumstances. This will not affect eligibility, and no one will be asked to produce any financial documents.

Contact sophia@bronfman.org to inquire.

No, you don’t. We want a diverse group of Bridge Builders, including those who are strongly affiliated and those who do not identify with any particular denomination/ movement. The only requirement is that you identify as Jewish.

No! The Bronfman Fellowship is a nonpartisan, apolitical organization. We are committed to bringing people together from a wide spectrum of beliefs, backgrounds, and affiliations.

We welcome all identities, orientations and genders to apply to Campus Commons. We strive to maintain an open atmosphere and encourage Bridge Builders to bring their whole selves to the program.

We will explore a diversity of Jewish works, including but not limited to traditional religious texts, philosophy, literature and poetry, visual art and contemporary thought. We believe relationships can be built across difference through a shared personal and intellectual encounter with Jewish text and ideas, regardless of someone’s prior level of familiarity with Jewish learning.

Bridge Builders will also have the opportunity to hear from speakers who are experts in their fields; to participate in hands-on artistic experiences; and to learn about the latest research in social, neurocognitive, and psychological sciences.

Positive Pluralism is the deep understanding that a person can learn and grow from relationships with those who are different from them, and the recognition that this ability can and should be nurtured. Most importantly, it’s the knowledge that therein lies the key to a better future. Positive Pluralism has its roots in ancient Jewish wisdom, grows strong with self-exploration and discovery, and stretches its branches in all directions to an improved world.

The dates are listed here.

At a retreat center near New York City (exact location TBA). All participants will stay on site. Food, travel, and accommodation for the in-person seminar are fully covered.

Yes! All of our food will meet OU (Orthodox Union) Kosher standards.

(Please note: Cohort 2's Fall retreat experience will take place over a Shabbat while Cohort 3's Winter retreat experience will take place over weekdays.)

We strive to make Shabbat a comfortable and meaningful experience for all of our students. All programming is in the spirit of the day and we design the program so that students who are shomer Shabbat can fully participate. Students will work together with staff support to create a pluralistic Shabbat experience during our retreat. There will be space to indicate on the application if you would like to talk to our team about your Shabbat observance at the retreat.

Bridge Builders will be expected to participate in all programming.  If a conflict emerges, or if you have a specific concern you’d like to address, please contact Elizabeth Ochs at elizabeth@bronfman.org.

No, it is not required. Our hope is that all participants will find useful ways to bring this experience back to their campus. After the January seminar, participants who are interested in formalizing a bridge-building project on their campus can submit their concept.  At least 10 Bridge Builders will be selected to receive a $750 stipend as well as up to $500 of reimbursable expenses to accomplish their project. They will also participate in additional mentoring sessions with staff to help ensure that their project is a success.

Yes, we’re working on expanding Campus Commons to other regions. For more information, please contact campuscommons@bronfman.org.

The Campus Commons program is led by The Bronfman Fellowship, which has 38 years of experience in fostering pluralistic Jewish community and leadership through our flagship year-long Fellowship program for Jewish teenagers in North America and Israel, and through programming for our vibrant alumni community. Our 1,400+ alumni have significant impact on the Jewish world and beyond through their work as community builders, deep thinkers, moral voices, and cultural creators. Learn more at bronfman.org.

Campus Commons is made possible through a seed grant from the UJA-Federation of New York.

Please contact campuscommons@bronfman.org.