Program Structure and Schedule

Program Orientation: Virtual welcome session introducing Fellows to program structure, expectations, and resources
Mentor Assignment: Pairing of Fellows with distinguished faculty mentors based on disciplinary expertise and research interests
Zoom Discussions: Inaugural session with Dean Samuel Goldman focusing on program goals and career development strategies
Individual Goal Setting: Fellows work with mentors to establish research objectives and publication timeline

Required Attendance: Conference at University of Florida, Gainesville (October 26-28)
Monthly Virtual Community Meeting: Career development, discussion, and peer networking
Individual Mentor Meetings: One-on-one sessions to refine research focus and begin proposal development
Academic Planning: Begin research, explore publication development

Monthly Virtual Community Meetings: Continued career development discussions and review of relevant new publications
Intensive Proposal Development: Fellows work closely with mentors to craft compelling proposals
Peer Collaboration: Opportunity for Fellows to share research ideas and receive feedback from cohort, including the opportunity to present practice job talks
Journal/Publisher Selection Strategy: Mentors guide Fellows in identifying appropriate target publications
Proposal Submission: Submit writing proposal by December deadline

Milestone Achievement: Receive first stipend installment ($2,500) upon mentor and program approval of writing proposal (January)

Monthly Zoom Discussions Continue: Focus shifts to research execution, writing strategies, and publication process navigation
Intensive Research Phase: Fellows conduct primary research, archival work, and analysis as needed for their projects
Regular Mentor Check-ins: Meetings on an individual schedule during the active writing phase
Draft Development: Complete revised drafts of academic work with mentor guidance

Submission Process: Submit the final academic article/manuscript for peer review and publication consideration

Final Milestone Achievement: Academic article/manuscript accepted for publication by peer-reviewed venue
Program Completion: Receive second stipend installment ($2,500) upon successful publication acceptance and conference participation
Fellowship Renewal Evaluation: Assessment of individual success and potential for renewal based on publication achievement, conference performance, professional development progress, and overall program contribution
Alumni Network Integration: Developing an ongoing relationship with the Tikvah academic community
Career Placement Support: Continued mentorship for job market preparation and academic career advancement

Primary Deliverable

Publication Acceptance: Successful acceptance for publication of one peer-reviewed academic article, book chapter, or book manuscript in a recognized scholarly venue. Work must demonstrate original research and contribute meaningfully to the fields of American democracy, Jewish thought, or related topics.

Secondary Deliverables

Consistent Participation: Regular attendance and active engagement in monthly virtual community discussions with Dean Samuel Goldman and fellow cohort members
Mentorship Engagement: Sustained individual meetings with assigned faculty mentor throughout the program year, demonstrating progress and incorporating feedback
Conference Attendance: Mandatory participation in Launch Conference at the University of Florida (October 26–28, 2026) and all other scheduled programming
Presentation Excellence: Delivery of a polished academic presentation at the summer conference, showcasing research findings and scholarly contribution
Professional Development: Active participation in career development activities and demonstration of progress toward academic career goals
Program Completion Standards: Meeting all deadlines, maintaining academic integrity, and fulfilling program expectations for full stipend receipt and successful fellowship completion

Director of High School Summer Institutes
jcastillo@tikvah.org

Tikvah Academic Fellowship