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Applying for the Helix Fellowship

All prospective fellows need to fill out and submit an online application form.

Fellowship applicants answer a series of short essay questions, provide work samples, supply two letters of recommendation, and upload a short video about themselves. We strongly encourage prospective fellows to read the application questions in advance of applying.

Before applying, be sure to browse the Yiddishkayt website and thoroughly read the fellowship overview, details and FAQs to ensure you understand the aims and goals of the Helix Fellowship.

Applications for the 2024-2025 cohort open in December, 2023. Sign up here for application updates.

Financial Assistance

The Helix Fellowship is committed to bringing as many exceptional fellows as possible on the program and we strongly encourage all prospective fellows to apply — regardless of financial status. No applicant is turned away for lack of funds.

Thanks to the generous support of the Annenberg Foundation, all program costs are subsidized for all fellows. Fellows are responsible for making their way to and from the Yiddishkayt office in Los Angeles in time for the residential program start dates. In addition, we also ask that fellows make a $500 minimum contribution towards their tuition costs. Additional program contributions are assessed and negotiated on a case-by-case basis. Yiddishkayt provides ongoing fundraising support throughout the Fellowship to help fellows offset costs and support participation.

To give a sense of the direct costs of the Fellowship, the 2018 summer residency in Southern California cost around $3,000 per fellow. This figure includes tuition, accommodation, most transport, and most meals. 2019 travel program costs were just over $10,000 per fellow. This includes touring fees, entry to cultural sites, tuition, accommodation, most meals, air travel, and ground transport. If you or your institution requires a detailed budget with a breakdown of all expenses, please contact us.