The Simon Wiesenthal Center has announced the national expansion of its NextGen Leaders Program, a fully funded summer leadership and professional development initiative to prepare Jewish students and recent graduates for careers in public service, advocacy and policymaking.

The seven-week program, which runs through July 31, will operate simultaneously in New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago and Miami for the first time. Organizers said 75 students were selected from more than 57 universities worldwide to participate in the 2026 cohort.

Participants are placed in legislative offices, government agencies, consulates, advocacy organizations, nonprofits and public affairs firms, where they gain hands-on experience in public policy, diplomacy and community engagement. The program also includes leadership seminars, advocacy workshops, mentorship opportunities, networking events and collaborative projects.

Since its launch in New York City a decade ago, the program has grown to more than 300 alumni. Organizers said the initiative continues to support participants after graduation through mentoring, professional development opportunities and an expanding alumni network.

“Jewish students are entering college and the workforce at a defining moment, and they are ready to meet it,” Simon Wiesenthal Center CEO Jim Berk said. “We are building the next generation of Jewish leaders by connecting them directly to the institutions that shape our world and equipping them with the tools, mentorship and confidence to drive change.”

Students selected for the 2026 class represent a variety of academic disciplines and institutions, including Harvard University, Georgetown University, Cornell University, Columbia University, Johns Hopkins University, UCLA, Northwestern University, the University of Michigan, Sciences Po Paris and Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.

Host organizations include the office of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, Los Angeles City Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky’s office, the World Jewish Congress, the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, the Consulate General of Mexico in Chicago, Holocaust Memorial Miami Beach, New York City Council offices and state legislative offices nationwide.

Barbara Birch, executive vice president of development for the Northeast region at the Simon Wiesenthal Center, said the program combines professional experience with leadership development and community building.

“This program gives students something many young people are searching for right now – real-world experience paired with a strong sense of purpose and community,” Birch said.

Organizers said plans for the future include expanded alumni engagement, mentorship opportunities and advocacy initiatives focused on developing Jewish leadership on campuses and in professional settings.

For information, visit wiesenthal.org.