frequently asked questions
The Wallis Annenberg Helix Fellowship is an experience unlike any other.
Who can apply to Helix?
Helix is open to artists who are working at the professional level in their field in any creative medium or discipline; students and educators (who are enrolled or employed during the 2020–2021 academic year) at a recognized institution; and community activists working in any field.
As part of the program’s commitment to approaching cultural studies in a world-historical context, Helix is open to participants of all backgrounds who wish to explore this part of the world through the lens of Yiddish in the most creative, direct, and personal way possible.
We strongly encourage applicants from oppressed and marginalized backgrounds to apply, including queer people, trans and gender nonconforming people, people of color, and people with diverse immigrant backgrounds and statuses.
Applications must be received by 11:59 PM (PST), Friday, March 20, 2020.
Who leads Helix?
Helix is facilitated by scholars, activists, and artists working in history, literature, politics, languages, and culture. Click here to learn more about our rotating faculty. Helix alumni from previous years also join the program as resident assistants and to facilitate colloquia.
How much does Helix cost?
All program costs are subsidized for all fellows. We strongly encourage prospective participants to apply, regardless of financial status. Helix is a pay-what-you-can program that offers generous subsidies and fundraising support as needed. No applicant is turned away for lack of funds. Read more about financial assistance here.
How long is Helix?
The Helix Fellowship unfolds over two calendar years. In early August 2020 we offer a 10-day intensive colloquium in Southern California followed by regular online workshops during fall, winter, and sping. In 2021 we offer Yiddishkayt’s signature summer travel experience to Central and Eastern Europe that begins in Southern California and spans the full month of July. 2020 fellows will be given the opportunity to apply for 2021 programming following the summer colloquium.
Do I need to know Yiddish? Will I learn Yiddish on Helix?
Helix applicants don’t need any background in Yiddish. However, language students are encouraged to apply and will be able to use relevant primary sources during the program.
Helix programming deals with Yiddish and other regional languages, depending on the interests and backgrounds of each unique cohort. However, Helix is a cultural history program, not a language intensive.
If you are specifically interested in learning the Yiddish language, there are a number of summer programs and courses you can take before or after Helix. Helix staff and faculty can help you determine which program best fits your goals.
Does Helix include any religious group activities?
Helix does not observe any religious rituals as a group. Fellows must be available for programming every day of the 10–day colloquium, including some evening events, activities, and possible travel.
Fellows come from many different backgrounds and communities and we encourage participants to share their own traditions and ideas with their cohort, but we ask that all fellows’ boundaries regarding religious beliefs be respected.
Helix staff and faculty can assist participants to independently access religious communities and services during residential components.
Can I get university credit if I am a student?
This is up to your own university. While this is certainly an intensive academic program, we are not a credit-granting institution. We encourage participants to find out whether the program can be counted for credit at their colleges and universities.
Where can I ask a less frequently asked question?
Please write to us with any other questions you might have!