2025 Robert M. Sherman Young Pioneers Award

About The Award

Image

The Young Pioneers Award is named for Robert M. Sherman, the CEO of The Jewish Education Project from 2007 until July 2019. During his tenure, he launched the Young Pioneers Award and several new initiatives at The Jewish Education Project. Since 2012, the Robert M. Sherman Young Pioneers Award has recognized dozens of Jewish educators from greater New York who help reimagine Jewish education.

The Robert M. Sherman Young Pioneers Award focuses on candidates who demonstrate a commitment to new ideas and have made a significant impact on children, teens and families in the communities they serve. They push the boundaries of Jewish education, help strengthen Jewish identity in their learners, and help learners engage with the ever-changing world around them today.

Recipients work in day schools, camps, youth groups, early childhood centers, supplementary schools, community centers, and any space where k-12 Jewish learning occurs.

Eligibility Criteria, Qualifications, and Rules:

• Nominee must work in a Jewish educational setting with children, teens (age 18 or under), or families in the five boroughs of New York City, Westchester County, or Long Island. 
• Nominee must be age 40 or under by our Spring Event on Tuesday, May 21st. 
• Nominee must have worked in the field of Jewish education for at least 2 complete academic years. 
• Nominee must show demonstration of innovation throughout their career in Jewish Education. 
• Nominee must be in alignment with The Jewish Education Project's mission to inspire and empower educators to create transformative Jewish experiences. 
• Nominee must be able to attend The Jewish Education Project’s Spring Event on Tuesday, May 21st in NYC where the YPA winners will be recognized.

Young Pioneers Award recipients receive:

• $1,000 Professional Development stipend (To be used within 18 months of receiving the award) 
• Recognition at The Jewish Education Project’s Spring Event on Tuesday, May 21st, 2024.

The Process:

• Candidate applications will be reviewed by The Jewish Education Project staff and lay leaders in March 2024.
• Candidates will be notified of their application status in March 2024 
• Nominations are due February 26, 2024. Nominee applications are due March 4, 2024. Please submit your nomination ASAP.