2026 Coalition for Black and Jewish Unity Leadership Academy Application
High school students from metro Detroit’s Black and Jewish communities are invited to apply to participate in the 2026 Leadership Academy.
About the Leadership Academy:
The Coalition for Black & Jewish Unity (CBJU)’s Leadership Academy offers a unique opportunity for Black and Jewish student leaders to explore issues affecting their respective communities, and to find their voice to stand against hatred.
From January to May 2026, selected students will attend monthly learning sessions facilitated by Black and Jewish leaders on topics including the local history of both communities, the impact of racism and antisemitism, contemporary issues facing Black and Jewish Americans, as well as allyship and advocacy skills.
Students who attend the monthly learning sessions are eligible to participate in a no-cost trip to Washington, D.C., including visits to Capitol Hill, museums, and historic sites.
2026 Program Details:
- The program will run from January through May 2026.
- Learning sessions will take place from 6:00pm – 8:00pm, typically on the 4th Tuesday of each month.
- Tentative Dates: Jan. 27, Feb. 24, March 24, April 28, May 19
- Each learning session will include a Kosher dinner.
- In addition to the learning sessions, students may be invited to participate in additional opportunities during the program.
- Student participants in good standing will be eligible to participate in a no-cost trip to Washington D.C. tentatively scheduled for either April 12th -14th or May 17th – 19th (Dates to be confirmed based on student availability). Please note that all students will receive an excused absence letter from the Leadership Academy to share with teachers explaining the educational nature of the program.
- Student participants will complete a group project at the conclusion of the semester and have the opportunity to present this project at the Annual Coalition for Black and Jewish Unity BBQ in June.
Upon successful completion of the program, students will be recognized at the Annual Coalition for Black and Jewish Unity BBQ and be eligible for letters of recommendation from Coalition for Black and Jewish Unity leadership.
How to Apply:
- Eligibility: All current high school students identifying as either Black or Jewish are eligible to apply. Students must be committed to fully participating in the program, including attending all scheduled learning sessions. (Students may miss no more than one scheduled learning session to remain in good standing with the program.)
- Selection Criteria: Applications will be evaluated holistically with admissions decisions determined by Coalition for Black and Jewish Unity leadership.
- Application Process: All applications must be submitted through the application form below. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
- Application Deadline: Applications must be submitted by December 15th, 2025.
- Application Notifications: Accepted students will be notified on a rolling basis. Accepted students will receive a materials packet via email. All students will be notified of their application status no later than January 6th.
If you have any questions about the Leadership Academy or the application process, please contact Daniel Bucksbaum at bucksbaum@jewishdetroit.org.