PUENTES Fellowship

About PUENTES | Sobre el Programa | Sobre o programa

In Spanish, puentes means bridges. As Latin-Jews, we are woven into multiple communities, each an integral part of who we are. Our diverse, intersectional identities teach us the value of honoring these connections, which allow us to build relationships across the many worlds we inhabit. Serving as bridges within and between communities means that we inherit and celebrate many rich cultures and traditions, which shape how we navigate life and inspire others. Through our connections, we strengthen ties within our local, national, and global communities, fostering unity and shared understanding.

The PUENTES Leadership & Resiliency Fellowship provides participants with the opportunity to engage in a ten-month leadership and resiliency development program with other Latin-Jews from North America.

The experience includes in-person and virtual learning workshops, community gatherings, and prepares participants to spark change in their communities--starting with a community capstone project that raises awareness of Latin-Jewish heritage or advances a social change initiative in their community.

The 2025 PUENTES cohort will focus on empowering Latin-Jewish educators. Participants will receive culturally-informed leadership training aimed on equipping them to develop holistic and innovative frameworks that support their educational missions.

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WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR COHORT 5?

This program is designed for individuals who self-identify as both Latin American and Jewish. Latin-Jews are Jewish individuals with roots or familial connections to countries in Latin America (North America, South America, Central America, and the Caribbean).

This cohort is open to educators. Our definition of an educator is broad; we know learning can take place through a variety of ways in different environments. Educators who work in classrooms, camps, in the arts, forests or creative studios are welcome to apply. We seek those who dedicate themselves to teaching others in the Latin, Jewish or Latin-Jewish community.

For questions of eligibility, please email community@jewtina.org.

Program Outline

The 2025 cohort will gather for an in-person, opening, mid year and closing retreat, and will include eight virtual gatherings and a virtual graduation.

Fellows will create and lead capstone projects that raise awareness of Latin-Jewish heritage or advance a social change initiative in their community. PUENTES Fellows will work on their projects between May and September.

VIRTUAL WORKSHOPS | Wednesdays 3-5pm pt / 6-8pm ET

January 15, 2025

February 19, 2025

March 19, 2025

April 23, 2025

May 28, 2025

September 10, 2025

October 19, 2025

*Two summer sessions based on availability

IN-PERSON RETREAT DATES

Friday, January 31 - Sunday, February 2, 2025 - Opening Retreat

Thursday, June 26 - Sunday, June 29, 2025 - Mid-point Retreat

Thursday, October 9 - Sunday, October 12, 2025 - Closing Retreat

PARTICIPANTS WILL BE EMPOWERED TO

Dive deep into introspection, refining and defining their unique leadership ethos.
Hone a sophisticated and nuanced understanding of intersectionality, elevating their awareness of interconnected identities.
Engage deeply with esteemed Jewish and Latin educators, absorbing transformative narratives that bridge cultures.
Forge robust tools for resilience, preparing them to thrive in the face of challenges.
Strengthen ties with fellow Latin-Jewish leaders, fostering a collaborative and empowered network of changemakers.
Design an educational capstone project that explores Latin-Jewish cultural elements or advances a social change initiative.

COME AWAY WITH

Access to the PUENTES alumni network of Latin-Jewish change-makers.
Insight on a wide range of multicultural experiences from the Jewish and Latin communities.
An understanding of how Jewish and Latin cultures are complementary to one another and can strengthen the way we lead.
Empowerment with new tools to rise as comprehensive community changemakers, distinguished by a profound aptitude for fostering dialogue and building bridges.
Direct pathways to local leadership opportunities, tailored to maximize impact and engagement.
Valuable experience in spearheading and leading a community initiative.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is special about participating in the PUENTES Leadership & Resiliency Fellowship?

Unlike other fellowships, PUENTES is a culturally-responsive, culturally-sustaining fellowship designed by and for Latin-Jews. Created with the Latin-Jewish community in mind, this fellowship examines Latin-Jewish intersectionality, elevates Jewish and Latin texts and scholarship, and places a special focus on resiliency building.

Is this fellowship restricted to an age category such as young adults?

The PUENTES Leadership & Resiliency Fellowship is open to anyone over the age of 21, and prides itself on being intergenerational.

How much time should someone set aside for this commitment?

This experience begins with an in-person opening retreat, in-person mid year retreat and is followed by eight virtual gatherings and an in-person closing retreat. In addition to our gatherings, fellows will commit to bringing to life a community capstone project that either raises awareness of Latin-Jewish heritage, or advances a social change initiative in their respective communities.

What is the cost of participation in this fellowship?

Thanks to the generosity of our funders, PUENTES has been made possible with significant subsidization. The contribution for this experience is a sliding scale of $500-$1,000 based on your financial situation. In addition, there will be a stipend provided for travel to and from the retreat according to location and distance. For any questions about this or to explore a scholarship, email us at community@jewtina.org.

PUENTES LEADERSHIP & RESILIENCY FELLOWSHIP

APPLICATIONS FOR COHORT 5 ARE CLOSED

Check back Fall 2025 for new applications.