The StandWithUs Kenneth Leventhal High School Internship is a year-long program for student leaders in 11th and 12th grade who want to proactively impact their local schools and communities. Leventhal Interns learn about Israel, how to effectively combat antisemitism, and gain leadership skills. The interns then bring this education to their peers through interactive and creative initiatives and programs. Leventhal Interns travel to Los Angeles for two leadership conferences throughout the school year. They hear from world renowned speakers, build relationships with other student leaders, and train with StandWithUs staff members.
2025-2026
INTERNSHIP
IMPORTANT DATES:
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January 20, 2025: Nomination and Application period begins
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April 4, 2025: Applications close
AboutTheInternship
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Eligibility Requirements:
Must be a rising junior (11th) or senior (12th) in high school in the United States or Canada
Applicants must be self-identified leaders, who want to cultivate their leadership skills, learn about Israel, combat antisemitism, and make an impact in their schools and communities
Must be nominated by a teacher, mentor, or community leader who can speak to the applicant’s skillset
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Participants will be expected to attend 2 conferences, 2 meetings each month, and run 4 programs throughout the Leventhal Internship. The most outstanding Leventhal Intern will be declared the regional winner and receive $500 toward a future flight to Israel.
Conferences: The High School Internship Conference will take place on in the fall and the International Conference dates will take place in the spring
Mentorship Meetings (MM): Leventhal Interns will meet with their regional manager once a month. The MM will cover the personal and professional goals of the student, Israel education, and program planning.
Continuing Education Seminar (CES): CES meetings are held once a month and cover many topics, including Israeli internal politics, the Israeli-Palestinian and Israeli-Arab conflict, and international relations, as well as education about identity, antisemitism, and diaspora Jewish communities.
WhatsApp Participation: We encourage Leventhal Interns to participate in the regional WhatsApp chat. Regional Managers will send links regarding current events and various topics for students to continue learning in between the meetings.
Educational Programs: Leventhal Interns are required to put on 4 educational programs for their peers. Possible locations or audiences include a high school Israel or Jewish club, a youth group, a place of worship, or in a classroom. Programs should have one Israel education or combating antisemitism component in order to count as a StandWithUs Kenneth Leventhal High School Internship program. Program ideas include but are not limited to:
▪ A film screening and discussion
▪ A powerpoint presentation
▪ An external speaker, including a Holocaust survivor
▪ Gamification of a topic
▪ Culture events
Interns are required to submit comprehensive reports to their StandWithUs Regional Manager within 1 week after the scheduled event. This includes 4 photos of participants engaged in the program, a short, written report about the event and the impact the event had on the participants. If a Leventhal Intern requires finances for the program, it must be approved by the Regional Manager before the program. Leventhal Interns have access to $200 for programming.
Legacy Building and Recruitment: It is recommended that StandWithUs Kenneth Leventhal High School Interns recruit replacements from their schools or youth group for the following internship class.
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The application process is twofold. Incoming juniors or seniors in high school must first be nominated for the StandWithUs Kenneth Leventhal High School Internship, and then submit the application. Once we receive the application, students will be contacted by a regional manager to schedule an interview.
The nomination form can be found here.
FAQs
A: While a trip to Israel is a fantastic way to learn, it is not a requirement for our leadership programs.
They do not need to send letters of recommendation. Please inform them that we may contact them to speak about your leadership experience and skills.
A: Of course! StandWithUs is here to support ALL students who want to develop as leaders and make an impact in their community. We are happy to help you develop empowering programs and create initiatives in your schools and local communities, start a Jewish or Israel club at your school, provide you with mentorship and materials for your programs, and connect you with other like-minded students in your region. Additionally, the Teen Leadership Council is a perfect opportunity for students to begin their journey with StandWithUs!
A: The internship is 100% free! We pay for all your conference fees, including hotel and flight costs. In addition, we provide you with the support, including financial, to plan and implement successful educational programs in your community.
A: Yes! Leventhal Interns may elect to earn college credits for the StandWithUs Kenneth Leventhal High School Internship. Leventhal Interns will receive information about this opportunity upon acceptance into the program.
A: Yes, we are happy to work with you or your school to give you service credit.
A: Absolutely! Please let us know if you have questions about language or if you would like to request a letter of recommendation as well.
A: The Leventhal Internship’s length is one school year. The beginning of the program kicks off in Los Angeles in August of each year and ends in June.
A: On average, students spend 1-2 hours per week on this internship. This is flexible and dependent on the time of year. If you have additional questions about balancing the Leventhal Internship with school and extracurricular activities, please contact highschool@standwithus.com.
A: All StandWithUs conferences are 100% glatt kosher and 100% shomer Shabbat. While students are not expected to keep Shabbat during their free time at the conferences, we ask that everyone respects public places in common areas.
A: Yes, both conferences are mandatory. We do make certain exceptions in extenuating circumstances and recommend speaking with staff members if you have specific concerns. Please feel free to email highschool@standwithus.com.
BeInTouch
T: 310-836-6140 ext. 117
E: highschool@standwithus.com