Research Training Internship
The Ma’yan Research Training Internship (RTI) was created to generate new knowledge about the lives of Jewish teen girls, and to promote girls’ leadership within and beyond the Jewish community. In partnership with their Ma’yan advisors, RTIs create and execute an original research study: conducting background research, creating original instruments, recruiting participants, collecting data, and analyzing the results. Interns then have the opportunity to present their findings to an audience of Jewish communal professionals, funders, and other interested adults, using their knowledge to advocate for change.
Each group of interns works with Ma’yan staff over the course of a year to study an issue relevant to Jewish teen girls. Our first cohort (2007) studied the attitudes and experiences of Jewish teen girls and our second cohort studied girls' experiences of bat mitzvah (2008-2009). In the fall of 2010, we convened our third cohort to examine the question, “Who is served by our community service?” We are pleased to announce that we are currently accepting applications for the fourth cohort of the RTI, which will begin in the fall of 2012! This year, we will be studying the secrets of the perfect girl—examining the messages Jewish teen girls receive about who they are supposed to be and to become, and what happens when girls try to live up to these expectations.
Please click here for the fall 2012 RTI application.
Contact Pippi Kessler at pippi@mayan.org for more information.
Research Training Internship Expansion
After five years and three successful cohorts of the Research Training Internship, Ma’yan is seeking partner organizations interested in bringing this unique program to their communities. The pilot of the expanded Research Training Internship establishes partnerships between Ma’yan and Jewish organizations in other cities interested in adding the RTI program to their repertoire. As RTI pilot partners, these organizations will receive technical and financial support to initiate a RTI cohort in their city, participate in a national training for RTI staff, and attend a conference for RTI participants.
