Gratz College Launches the Walder Ph.D. Fellowship for Orthodox Women

We are excited to announce that this spring, with funding from Walder Foundation, Gratz College has launched an Executive Ph.D. in Jewish Studies program for an inaugural cohort of Orthodox Jewish women.

The Walder Ph.D. Fellowship for Orthodox Women will enable an incredible inaugural cohort of Orthodox women to pursue a fully funded doctorate in Jewish studies with the added support of a community of practice and leadership training opportunities. Earning an advanced degree reflective of their academic scholarship and professional leadership will enable Orthodox women to share their scholarship more broadly.

“So many Orthodox women looking for ways to contribute to their community in meaningful and dignified ways, and we believe that this Executive Ph.D. fellowship will result in the community becoming more knowledgeable, spiritually vibrant, and well positioned to address future challenges and needs,” said Elizabeth Walder, CEO of Walder Foundation. “Advanced degrees can serve as a substantive recognized credential of the leadership and deep knowledge Orthodox women have to offer.”

With the flexible, largely online-based 48-credit curriculum, the Ph.D. program offers a robust core curriculum of seven seminars and colloquia designed to cultivate expertise across the breadth of Jewish Studies. Electives may be chosen from existing Gratz College programs, including Jewish Studies, Antisemitism Studies, Holocaust and Genocide Studies, Interfaith Leadership, Nonprofit Management, and Education Leadership. In addition, the Walder Ph.D. fellows will focus on learning and implementing best practices for creating a community of practice and participate in an in-person leadership training institute.

A diverse group of Orthodox women from across the United States are represented in the cohort, with specific slots available to Chicago-based women to align with Walder Foundation’s dedication to ensuring a thriving Chicago community as a place-based foundation.

“For so many Orthodox Jewish women, this fellowship is a dream come true,” said Leslie Ginsparg Klein, Ph.D., incoming Dean of Gratz College. “It provides these women with the opportunity to advance their education, build leadership skills, and gain a credential that will help them advance in their work, benefiting the entire community.”

Through its Jewish Life pillar, Walder Foundation funds many initiatives to advance Orthodox women’s leadership, locally in Chicago, nationally, and in Israel. By investing in programs that respect religious values while fostering high-level learning and academic excellence, Walder Foundation is helping to equip Orthodox women with tools and skills to become scholars, educators, and thought leaders within the Jewish community.

Learn more about the program here, and follow Walder Foundation’s social media channels and newsletter for upcoming features and announcements.

Stay engaged with efforts from our Jewish Life pillar: walderfoundation.org/jewish-life