Leadership Lab (9th - 12th grade)

Intensive Leadership Program for High School Students

Leadership Lab 2026-27

Leadership Lab is Fig Tree’s new intensive leadership fellowship for high school students rooted in Jewish values including responsibility, justice, community, curiosity, and care for others.

This program is designed for teens who want to better understand themselves, strengthen their leadership skills, and make meaningful change in the world around them. Through Jewish text, guest speakers, real-world leadership experiences, and thoughtful conversation, students will deepen their self-awareness, strengthen critical thinking skills, and learn how leadership can be a force for connection and positive change.

Rabbi Ami Weintraub, Fig Tree’s Rabbinic Director, will mentor students as they identify their strengths, stretch into areas of growth, and practice leadership in real settings. Leadership Lab is designed as a space to experiment, reflect, take risks, and learn.

This program combines in-class learning along with hands-on leadership experiences outside the classroom, including:

• Leading at Fig Tree holiday programs and services

• Assisting in Fig Tree classrooms

• Designing community service initiatives

• Supporting community-building events and projects

Leadership Lab combines reflection with action. Students won’t just talk about leadership: they will practice it, and make it their own.

Logistics

Eligibility
Leadership Lab is an application-based program open to all rising 9th–12th graders. No prior Jewish knowledge or experience is required. Please see the application process below.

Location
Leadership Lab classes take place at Brooklyn Arts Exchange (BAX), located at 421 5th Avenue in Park Slope, a gathering place where students from across the Fig Tree community come together. Leadership experiences can take place in any of the neighborhoods where Fig Tree offers classes.

Class Dates and Time
Leadership Lab classes take place on the following Wednesdays from 6:00 - 7:00 PM:
September 23, 2026
October 7, 2026
October 21, 2026
November 4, 2026
December 9, 2026
January 6, 2027
January 20, 2027
February 3, 2027
March 10, 2027
April 7, 2027
May 5, 2027
May 19, 2027

Tuition

Tuition is offered at a sliding scale, from $1200 to $3600 for the year, which includes 12 evening classes and 1-4 leadership sessions per month (according to your child’s preference and schedule). If your student is accepted into the program, we’ll send you a link to register - more details below.

Commitments and Outcomes

Students are expected to attend regularly and participate fully in their chosen leadership experiences. Students will graduate with a certificate of completion, documented community service hours, real leadership experience, and a stronger understanding of who they are and how they want to contribute to the world. In addition, select students will be invited to apply for a paid Teen Assistant Teacher position at Fig Tree for the following year.

How to Apply

Interested students may apply for Leadership Lab 2026-27 between June 1 and September 15, 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and families will be notified of admissions decisions throughout the summer. Students who are accepted will receive a registration link and additional program information.

Because Leadership Lab is designed as a small cohort, we may not be able to accept every applicant. Students who are not accepted are warmly encouraged to apply again in future years.

The application form for Leadership Lab 2026-27 is HERE.