Dear Professor Anderson,
I’m reaching out from the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York (JCRC-NY) to share a fall 2026 fellowship opportunity that aligns closely with the Film and Media Department at Hunter College.
This fall, we will launch a Community Storytelling Fellowship for a small group of student filmmakers and visual storytellers to document real, unscripted moments of civic and community life across New York City through JCRC-NY programming.
This is a hands-on, mission-driven opportunity for students interested in documentary work with real social impact. Fellows will receive a stipend, and we are open to exploring whether the experience could be structured for academic credit in partnership with your program.
Fellows will have the opportunity to document:
- How relationships are built across differences
- How communities show up for one another in moments of challenge
- How Jewish identity, values, and joy are expressed in public life
- How civic leaders engage with and understand the Jewish community
Students will gain access to people, spaces, and moments that are rarely visible, with the goal of producing short documentary pieces, short-form video content, photography, and a curated archive of raw footage for long-term use.
JCRC-NY is a leading civic organization representing New York’s Jewish community, working at the intersection of public policy, interfaith relations, and community engagement. As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, this project offers a unique opportunity to document a particularly dynamic moment in the city’s civic life.
We are especially interested in students with experience in documentary filmmaking, journalism, or visual storytelling.
We are beginning outreach now and would welcome the opportunity to connect and discuss whether this might be of interest to your students and program. Attached is a one-pager with additional details. Please let me know your availability for a call.
Warm regards,
Jill
—
Jill Mendelson • Director, Grants Management
JEWISH COMMUNITY RELATIONS COUNCIL OF NEW YORK (JCRC-NY)
520 Eighth Avenue, Suite 1402
New York, NY 10018
www.jcrcny.org • 917-774-8416
The Jewish Community Relations Council of New York (JCRC-NY) is the central coordinating body for
the Jewish community’s public affairs in the New York metropolitan area. For over 50 years, JCRC-NY
has built bridges across communities, advanced policy priorities, supported Israel, and worked to
combat antisemitism while strengthening a more inclusive and resilient New York. Through
partnerships with civic, religious, and political leaders, JCRC-NY operates at the intersection of
community relations, public policy, and civic engagement.
Program Overview
JCRC-NY is launching a selective Civic Storytelling Fellowship for undergraduate and graduate
students in film, journalism, and communications.
Fellows will help document and tell the story of JCRC’s work across New York—capturing real-time
civic engagement, intergroup collaboration, and efforts to address antisemitism and strengthen
democratic society. This is a hands-on opportunity to produce meaningful, work while building a
portfolio.
Fellowship Details
● Duration: Fall 2026 semester (with potential extension)
● Format: Hybrid, based in New York City
● Compensation: Stipend; internship or academic credit encouraged where applicable
Fellow Responsibilities
● Capture video and digital content at JCRC-NY programs and events
● Conduct short interviews with community leaders and participants
● Produce short-form video and storytelling content
● Assist in shaping JCRC’s digital narrative and public presence
Student Benefits
● Build a professional portfolio with real-world, mission-driven work
● Gain access to civic leaders, policymakers, and community initiatives
● Develop storytelling, interviewing, and production skills
● Receive mentorship and editorial guidance from JCRC-NY staff
Contact: Jill Mendelson, mendelsonj@jcrcny.org, 917-774-8416