The Israel Leadership and Service Cohort (ILSC)

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The Israel Leadership and Service Cohort is an 8-month life changing opportunity in Israel for young adults who are ready to lead, serve, and grow both personally and professionally.

Based in Be'er Sheva at our state-of-the-art Muss campus, this inaugural cohort offers participants the opportunity to live in Israel, teach English, volunteer with communities across the country, explore their personal and professional goals, and build meaningful connections rooted in purpose and impact.

Designed for recent high school graduates, college graduates, and early career young adults, this program combines real-world service, leadership development, career readiness, Israel education, travel, and community living into one unforgettable experience.

Spots are limited! Apply now.

WHAT TO EXPECT

TEACH ENGLISH IN BE'ER SHEVA

Make a difference in the classroom and beyond.

Throughout the program, participants will support English-language learning in Be’er Sheva.

No prior teaching experience is required. Participants must be fluent in English and will receive formal training at the start of the program to ensure they feel prepared, supported, and ready to lead.

PROFESSIONAL & CAREER DEVELOPMENT

Build the skill to move forward.

The Israel Leadership and Service Cohort is designed to help participants take meaningful next steps in their personal and professional journeys.

Engage in career development focused on practical, real-world skills. Programming may include resume building, interview preparation, networking, career exploration, goal setting, and guidance for life after the program.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

Serve with purpose. Make a lasting impact.

In addition to teaching English, participants will volunteer with communities and organizations across Israel, gaining hands-on experience while supporting meaningful initiatives throughout the country.

Service opportunities may include agriculture and farming, work with individuals with disabilities, rehabilitation assistance with ADI Negev-Nahalat Eran, engagement with Bedouin communities, and additional community-based projects.

Specific volunteer opportunities are subject to change.

ISRAEL IMMERSION

Don’t just visit Israel. Live it.

Not only will participants live together at the Muss Be’er Sheva Campus, the Cohort will spend Shabbat with host families, travel throughout the north and south, engage with Israeli culture, and experience daily life in one of the most dynamic and meaningful places in the world.

THE PROGRAM AT A GLANCE

DATES
September 8, 2026 - May 13, 2027

LOCATION
This program is based out of the Muss Be'er Sheva Campus with travel throughout Israel.

CONTACT
Questions? Contact ILSC@jnf.org

ELIGIBILITY
The Israel Leadership and Service Cohort is designed for young adults, ages 18 and older, who are ready for a transformative experience.

The program is open to participants of all backgrounds.

PROGRAM PRICING
$12,200 with flexible payment plans available.

Program cost includes:

Housing and accommodations
Meals
Travel within Israel
Cohort excursions
Professional and career development programming
Leadership trainings
Immersive Israel experiences
Community service opportunities

Program cost does not include:

Flights to and from Israel
Personal spending money
Additional travel outside the program

FAQS

Participants of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply! Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the start of the program and must have a valid passport prior to departure.

You do not need to have everything figured out before you arrive! This program is built to help you take the next step with purpose.

If you are:

A recent high school graduate
A student taking a meaningful year before beginning college
A college graduate
A college student considering a change in academic or career focus

Then this program is right for you!

No. This program is open to young adults at different stages of life. Whether you are a recent high school graduate, taking time before college, not currently enrolled in college, a college graduate, or exploring a new direction, you are encouraged to apply.

The program is based at the Muss Be’er Sheva Campus. Home to the future site of the World Zionist Village, Be’er Sheva is quickly becoming a thriving center for Israeli innovation, education, and industry.

Located just 15 minutes from River Park and Ben-Gurion University, the campus offers an incredible place to live, learn, serve, and grow both independently and as a part of a community.

The total cost of the program is $12,200 with flexible payment plans available.

Housing and accommodations
Meals
Travel within Israel
Cohort excursions
Professional and career development programming
Leadership trainings
Immersive Israel experiences
Community service opportunities

Flights to and from Israel
Personal spending money
Additional travel outside the program

This isn't your typical gap year experience. The Israel Leadership and Service Cohort is a transformative experience built for direction, opportunity, leadership development, clarity, and impact.

Whether you are between life stages, preparing for college*, exploring career options, or looking for a deeper connection to Israel, this program is for you.

*Participants will not receive college credits.