Leaders for Tomorrow
ABOUT LFT
Leaders for Tomorrow (LFT) students are not just future leaders, but today’s leaders.
In 2019, JCRB|AJC launched AJC's Leaders For Tomorrow (LFT) program, which empowers young Jews to speak up for Israel and the Jewish people.
The innovative education and advocacy program helps high school students develop a strong Jewish identity and trains them as advocates for Israel and to be voices against antisemitism. LFT gives students the tools to talk about the issues impacting world Jewry today, and the confidence to stand up for these issues in college and throughout their lives, no matter how difficult the situation. LFT instills in teens the knowledge, confidence, and passion to serve as positive change-makers among their peers, in their communities, and beyond.
Over the course of the school year, our KC LFT cohort meets for seven interactive and engaging sessions, one Sunday per month, to learn about and unpack the most pressing issues affecting today’s Jewish teens.
This program is open to students in grades 10-12.
APPLICATION DETAILS
We are currently accepting applications for the 2024-2025 KC LFT cohort! Click here to apply.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Admission to this program is competitive and space is limited. Participants will be selected based on their application and a phone interview.
There is no cost to participate.
QUESTIONS?
Please email Sarah Markowitz Schreiber, JCRB|AJC's Director of Education and Programs at sarahm@jewishkc.org
KC LFT ALUMNI TESTIMONIALS
More feedback from Kansas City LFT alumni and parents
"LFT has helped me learn about new topics relating to Israel that I would not have learned even though I have attended a Jewish day school for 11 years. LFT also has done a good job of inspiring me to want to learn more because they present the information in a way that is not boring and I don’t feel like I am being lectured at." — Elia Ellis, 2023-2024 cohort
"To me, LFT has been an amazing experience where I’ve gotten to learn about so many topics. I think discussing Israeli conflicts like we’ve been doing has taught me so much that I probably wouldn’t have known otherwise. I’ve enjoyed getting to listen to Sarah and Gavi and all the other intelligent speakers we’ve had. I value all the skills LFT has taught me as well, such as how to advocate and how to have difficult conversations. Overall, I’m very grateful for the opportunity to participate in LFT every month and all of the things I’ve learned." — Bea Colbert, 2023-2024 cohort
"This program, the LFT program, has taught me not only how to advocate for Israel, but also for myself. Our trip to Washington D.C. was an unforgettable experience which heightened my world view, and completely changed my perspective of who I am and what I can do with my life. This program is a very well-run program, and hopefully will inspire many more." — Ezra Jacobs, 2023-2024 cohort
“LFT has helped me better identify, understand, and combat antisemitism, personally and in my comunity. I would recommend LFT to any Jewish youth who has any interest in bettering the community.” — Gabe Goldstein , 2021-2022 cohort
“LFT has made me a better Jewish advocate. They have educated me in Israel’s history and government, They have also educated me on different types of antisemitism. Together I can use skills both to spot and combat antisemitism.” — Nachman White, 2021-2022 cohort
"I can use the tools I learned in real life to advocate not only for Israel and the Jewish people but also other things I am passionate about." — Gabby F., 2020-2021 cohort
"LFT has given me the tools to confront antisemitism and to explain the history of Zionism and Judaism. The program has definitely helped me have a better understanding of antisemitism." — LFT Student, 2020-2021 cohort
"LFT has helped me because I learned so much through these sessions and I can now advocate for myself." —Mathew S., 2020-2021 cohort
"The program has been phenomenal. High-level programs, great things to think about, solid ideas of how to approach subjects. It is high praise for my daughter to come back from the meetings and consistently say that she learned so much or that she "never thought about something in that way." — LFT parent, 2019-2020 cohort
"The program and facilitators are awesome, and LFT is a great opportunity to talk to a group of bright, nice kids who also care about Israel. In LFT, you get to explore subjects such as the difference between education and advocacy, whether antisemitism is the same as being "anti-Israel", the political and cultural aspects of Israel, relationships between Israel and other nations, and more. Fantastic guest speakers are brought in and excellent resources are provided by AJC for outside reading. Overall, an amazing program. Thank you, LFT!" — LFT student, 2019-2020 cohort
“As a Jewish teen in the 21st century, it’s important to be educated on the various types of antisemitism and where it stems from. LFT has allowed me to expand my knowledge on different types of antisemitism, as well as how to combat it as a strong Jewish leader.” — LFT student, 2019-2020 cohort
LFT in Kansas City is funded in part by the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Kansas City.
