Founded in 2007 with a generous grant from Los Angeles philanthropists Rita and Steve Emerson, the StandWithUs Emerson Fellowship is a prestigious one-year program that trains, educates, and empowers student leaders on college campuses around the world. Chosen from key universities, Emerson Fellows lead their communities and inspire their peers through dynamic programs, impactful campaigns, and meaningful discussions about Israel. Emerson Fellows receive comprehensive training in Israel education, community-building, campus leadership, and navigating antisemitism on campus, along with direct access to StandWithUs resources and in-house specialists. Fellows get invited to two transformative conferences and continue their training throughout the year with expert-led workshops. Every Emerson Fellow receives personalized mentorship from Campus Regional Managers who help them grow as leaders and maximize their impact on campus. Throughout their experience, Emerson Fellows are plugged into a worldwide network of student leaders to exchange ideas, share effective strategies, and provide mutual support. 

The StandWithUs Emerson Fellowship is activating student leaders on a global scale, with chapters in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Brazil, South Africa, and Australia.

StandWithUs also offers a specialized opportunity, the Emerson Fellowship: Christian Outreach program, which empowers Christian student leaders to educate their campus and church communities about Israel and antisemitism and inspire allyship among their peers. Christian Outreach Emerson Fellows are invited to two incredible student conferences, receive direct mentorship from the StandWithUs Director of Christian Outreach, and participate in immersive opportunities to deepen their learning and connect with Christian and Jewish leaders. 

Exemplary Emerson Fellows may be selected to become StandWithUs Campus Liaisons, who work for the Campus Department part-time and serve as mentors for younger students within the StandWithUs network.

Emerson Fellowship alumni are inducted into the StandWithUs Alumni Network which offers a tailored platform for alumni to stay connected to StandWithUs—and to each other. Through specialized programs, campaigns, and leadership committees, alumni can continue staying active, get invitations to local events, find job opportunities within this field, and so much more.

The StandWithUs Emerson Fellowship has trained and activated over 2,000 leaders since its inception. We invite you to join our global movement – become an Emerson Fellow, recruit an Emerson Fellow, or sponsor an Emerson Fellow; reach out to Campus@standwithus.com for more information.