Highly selective fellowships offer unique leadership development opportunities and generous merit scholarships to help students develop their singular talents in a spirit of community, collaboration and friendship

For ambitious, high-achieving students distinguished by their pre-college achievements, Yeshiva University's leadership society, comprised of four unique cohorts, presents an array of merit-based, academically rigorous undergraduate scholarships that award students up to $25,000 a year. Programs span fields from political activism and medicine to Jewish education and Torah study, catering to a diverse range of intellectual and career aspirations.

Perhaps the most important duty for American Jewry in the current moment is to help uphold steadfast support for Israel and Jewish life at all levels within our political system. Inspired by the distinguished legacy of Senator Joseph Lieberman, the Lieberman-Mitzner Center for Public Service and Advocacy’s Scholars Program answers that imperative.

With a cohort of up to 10 students a year, the Lieberman Scholars program includes an internship placement program matching students with high level internships in DC and with advocacy groups, specialized advocacy training, mentorship, networking opportunities, and direct access to prominent public officials and industry professionals, as well as crucial skills training such as public speaking, negotiation and conflict resolution. Summer internships match students with prestigious opportunities aligned with their interests, spanning Congressional offices, lobbying groups and Jewish advocacy organizations like Stand With Us.

According to Dr. Sharon Poczter, founding director and chair of the Strategy and Entrepreneurship Department at the Sy Syms School of Business, few undergraduate programs in the United States match the Center’s comprehensive approach and opportunities for students in political and advocacy life. “Our focus is on ensuring that students not only enter the field but thrive within it,” Dr. Poczter said. “The program embodies Senator Lieberman’s core values of principle and integrity, demonstrating that a Torah-grounded life can not only exist along with a career in public service, but elevate it.”

Launched eight years ago, the Zahava and Moshael J. Straus Scholars Program is tailored for undergraduate students who demonstrate elite academic achievement in both Jewish and general studies and a commitment to studying the great works of the Jewish and Western tradition. Straus Scholars, the aspiring intellectual leaders of tomorrow, undertake a course of study including specially designed, unique interdisciplinary courses and a weekly reading group bridging Torah and the great works of art, literature, philosophy and political science.

The Straus Scholars Program has become increasingly competitive every year; in 2024, it received more applicants than ever before, accepting only 8% of candidates. Through its Impact Office, students gain exclusive access to leading journalists, policy makers and academics, and receive curated professional guidance and internship placement.

“The goal of the Straus Center is not only to educate students but to prepare them for intellectual leadership,” said Rabbi Meir Soloveichik, director of the Zahava and Moshael J. Straus Center for Torah and Western Thought. “Through a rigorous application process, we look for students that seek to be steeped in Torah, Jewish thought and the great works of the West. Through innovative interdisciplinary seminars, mentorship in writing and publishing and engagement with thinkers and political figures in America, Israel and around the world, we seek to foster the development of the Jewish thinkers and intellectual leaders of the next generation.”  

Another highly selective initiative, the Leadership Scholarship Program grows talented students who have a proven track record of academic excellence, leadership and a commitment to strengthening the Jewish and wider community through activism, volunteerism and social justice initiatives.

Through international travel, bimonthly workshops, extra-curricular leadership lectures and activities, personal mentoring and cohort-based programming Leadership Scholars deepen skills to be agents of change on campus and in their future careers. "We are deeply impressed by the strategic leadership initiatives our Scholars take, which reflect a sense of purpose, personal responsibility, and stewardship,” said Vice Provost Dr. Erica Brown. “They shine at Yeshiva University and will continue to shine long after graduation."

The YU-Einstein Medical Scholars Program, a partnership between Yeshiva University and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, provides a select number of exceptional high school seniors early assurance to an honors undergraduate education and medical school training at Einstein. Students must have a demonstrable interest in medicine and be certain that medicine is the lifetime career they want to pursue. In addition to their access to a unique Jewish education, successful candidates will be encouraged to explore a wide range of Yeshiva liberal arts and sciences majors, in order to acquire a broad-based education that can be applied to the study of modern medical science. Following a historic gift from Ruth L. Gottesman, Ed.D., chair of the Einstein Board of Trustees and professor emerita of Pediatrics, Einstein tuition is now free.

“The highlight, for me, of this new and wonderful program, has been the opportunity to meet, guide, interact with and learn from the students who are in the program,” said Program Director Rabbi Dr. Richard Weiss, a clinical associate professor of Biology at Stern College For Women. “Their enthusiasm, character, and personalities have made the new program the success it already is. Thanks, in large part, to the students, the YU-Einstein Medical Scholars Program is a true reflection of the values of Torah Umadda.”

“The Yeshiva University mission and model remains as strong today as ever,” said Geri Mansdorf, assistant vice president of Enrollment. “As the flagship Jewish university, we are continuously growing and improving to best provide a world-class, values-driven education in a positive, supportive environment. Our premiere faculty and curricula are matched only by the excellence and potential of our student body.”

For more information of to apply visit go.yu.edu/academic-scholarships