The Workers Circle College Network

College Ambassador Program

The College Ambassador program gives undergraduate students the opportunity to become Workers Circle leaders on their campuses, exploring social justice activism and Yiddish culture while growing as organizers. 

Over the course of an academic year, College Ambassadors plan at least four unique events on their campuses centered around Yiddish language and culture as well as Workers Circle social justice campaigns. Ambassadors are supported throughout the year by check-ins with Workers Circle staff, eight hours of leadership training, and connections with other students in the Ambassador cohort. For the 2025–2026 academic year, College Ambassadors are building community at: Barnard, Brandeis, Brown, Cornell, Macalester, MIT, Mt. Holyoke, Michigan State University, Oberlin, Smith, UC Berkeley, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and the University of Maryland.

We invite you to apply to be part of the next cohort! Please email college@circle.org if you would like to learn more about the Ambassador program or connect with an Ambassador on your campus.

The Workers Circle College Ambassador Program will give up to 20 undergraduate students from across the country the opportunity to become Workers Circle leaders on their campuses, exploring the intersection of social justice activism and Yiddish culture. 

Each semester, College Ambassadors plan a minimum of two events for their college campus. One must be focused on Yiddish culture, and one must be focused on social justice (though ideally your events also bring the two together!). Social justice events will be tied to existing Workers Circle campaigns on democracy, racial justice, immigrant justice, and/or voting rights. 

College Ambassadors commit to attending 8 hours of leadership training with Workers Circle staff. This involves attending virtual 1:1 check-ins with Workers Circle staff, as well as community building Zooms with the Ambassador cohort over the course of an academic year. 

College Ambassadors are guaranteed a spot on the Workers Circle Trip to Selma, a free opportunity for immersive learning in March 2027. This trip to Selma, Alabama is focused on civil rights history and ongoing work for racial justice and voting rights. Ambassadors are highly encouraged to attend. More details will be provided to accepted applicants.

See the FAQ for the Workers Circle College Ambassador Program for more information. 

Application criteria:

• Applicants should demonstrate an interest in Workers Circle history, Yiddish culture, and values.

• Successful applicants will demonstrate a commitment to social justice, and a desire to help build the multiracial and multicultural democracy we need.  

• We are looking for applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds, schools, and geographic locations. You don’t have to be Jewish to be a part of our activist community. We welcome all who share our values and wish to "build a better and more beautiful world for all." 

• We will give a slight preference to those who’ve been involved with the Workers Circle College Network in the past, though please also apply if you are new to the community. 

• Applicants should be full-time undergraduate students at colleges or universities in the United States. 

Deadline: This application closes on Wednesday, July 15 at midnight EST. Interviews will be offered to applicants on a rolling basis. Applying before the deadline is welcome. 

Questions? Contact Yiddish Culture and Social Justice Organizer Yasha Giner at yginer@circle.org.