The Wexner Foundation > Wexner Israel Fellowship > General Information and Awards

Established in 1989, The Wexner Israel Fellowship Program represents a unique and important partnership between The Wexner Foundation and Harvard Kennedy School. Each year, up to ten outstanding Israeli public officials are funded to pursue a Master Degree in Public Administration at the Kennedy School and to participate in a set of leadership institutes sponsored by the Foundation itself. The goal of the program is to provide Israel's next generation of public leaders with advanced training in public management and leadership development, thus enhancing the quality of democracy and the institutional vitality of Israel's public sector. Wexner Israel fellows find themselves at the hub of both the university-wide program in public policy and the Kennedy School's faculty, curriculum, students, and research centers. Consequently, they encounter a rich environment conducive to reflection and dialogue about Israel's policy challenges and the diverse leadership strategies that could address those challenges. Wexner Israel Fellows are awarded a Mid-Career Master in Public Administration (MC/MPA) upon successful completion of the academic year.

During the course of the Fellowship Program, The Wexner Foundation sponsors a number of leadership institutes and seminars designed to supplement the formal academic experience. The Foundation's winter institutes provide Israel Fellows with in-depth training on the cultural, political, organizational, and religious realities of North American Jewish community life. This training provides a platform for creating more significant and productive relationships between Israeli leaders and their North American Jewish community counterparts. The spring institutes revolve around the dynamics of American democracy and culminate with a week of on-site meetings in Washington, D.C., giving Israel Fellows an insider's view of the American political system.

Nineteen classes of Wexner Israel Fellows have completed this prestigious program and have returned to Israel, constituting an alumni community of 181 public officials. Class XX will begin studying this fall at Harvard for the 2008-2009 academic year.

Eligibility

Have at least seven years of substantial professional experience in the public sector or in public interest organizations (NGO's) and be committed to careers in the public interest.

Have a professional career reflecting significant demonstrated leadership and the ability to perform well in a rigorous, interdisciplinary academic program.

Pass required English examinations (TOEFL) showing language ability sufficient to meet Harvard's standards.

Be likely to achieve important leadership positions in Israel upon their return; recipients also obligate themselves to at least three years of continued service in the Israeli public sector following completion of the program.

Fellowship Awards

The Wexner-Israel Fellowship is granted for an 11-month period during which each Fellow will complete the Mid-Career Master in Public Administration program and the Foundation institutes and programs. The fellowship award covers tuition expenses and fees at the Kennedy School, as well as health insurance, book allowance, travel from Israel, and limited moving costs. The award includes a generous living stipend, and funding for all Wexner Foundation programs and special institutes.

Applications

Applications are available from The Wexner Foundation office in Israel. Applications for the 2009/2010 academic year may be requested until November 2, 2008 and must be submitted by November 16, 2008; and will be available to candidates from June 15, 2008. It is recommended that candidates begin TOEFL preparation as early as possible in the months prior to application. Please submit any queries to The Wexner Foundation Israel Program at 972-02-563-7035 or wifp@wexner.net.

Initial eligibility forms for the Wexner Israel Fellowship Program are available here.