Leadership Training Institute (LTI)

August 28-30, 2026, in Palmer, MA

This exclusive convention is just for USYers in leadership positions at the chapter, regional, or international levels. Network with other ambitious young people, learn essential leadership skills, and have fun the whole time! 

LTI was a wonderful opportunity for me to meet, connect with, and learn alongside other intelligent and committed Jewish youth. It gave me hope for the future of USY and Conservative Judaism. I made so many new friends who I know for sure will become lifetime connections.

  • Aviva Goldberg

DID YOU KNOW: Alumni who participated in USY leadership positions went on to incredible leadership positions in the Conservative/Masorti Movement, the Jewish world, and secular industries! Make friends you’ll want to know for life at LTI.

Daven Together

Personal Transformation

Unforgettable Friendships

Calling All Leaders

All USYers in grades 9-12 who hold leadership positions at the chapter, regional, or international level should attend! Bring your chapter officers or your whole chapter board and experience a deepened bond like never before. This will be your chapter’s best year yet! 

Claim Your Rightful Place

Jews have been stepping up to leadership positions in the religious and secular worlds since the days of the Torah, changing the world and making life better for Jews and gentiles alike. LTI is your opportunity to claim your place in the lineage of Jewish leaders, rooted in Conservative/Masorti traditions and values.

Experience Shabbat Like Never Before

With teen-led davening (prayer) all weekend long, you’ll experience the spiritual power of Shabbat with the passion only teens can bring. Renew and deepen your connection with your Jewish identity through unforgettable prayer experiences. 

Like all USY conventions, we are tech-free during Shabbat (Friday evening to Saturday evening), meaning you have the rare opportunity to focus on connecting, learning, and transforming without the distractions of family, school, or the outside world. 

Facilitated by Adults Who Get You

Almost every LTI staffer is a USY Alumni and has been in your shoes. Every USY experience is led by awesome adults with years of experience working with Jewish teens. Our staff are devoted to creating a truly unique and transformative experience for all USYers to be welcomed, be authentic, and find community. 

Leadership is For Everyone

USY is committed to inclusive practices so all of our USY Leaders can participate. Please reach out to Rabbi Ilan Schwartz at [email protected] if you have any questions. 

We also offer scholarships to make LTI and other USY Immersive Experiences affordable and accessible for all USYers. Scholarship applications are due at the end of Early Bird pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions

USY is heavily subsidizing the cost of this convention.  

$284 – through June 15

$349 – June 16 through Aug 2

Real cost of convention $650

An automatic $100 travel subsidy will be applied to anyone who needs to fly. $50 travel subsidy is taking the train.

Cost should not be an obstacle, generous scholarships are available to all on top of the discounted price and travel subsidy

Price includes all lodging, meals, activities, staff, bus shuttle service from the airport, and more

Full cancellation before August 2

$75 cancellation fee between August 2 and August 9.

No refunds after August 9.

On top of our cancellation policy, we also offer a third party illness protection insurance plan (similar to flight insurance) called purchase protection.  Purchase protection is available to purchase through our registration system for a small fee and provides a full refund if the participant is not able to attend due to illness. For more information on the purchase protection please click here 

We are looking forward to spending the weekend with you at the USY Leadership Training Institute 2026!

We are looking forward to spending the weekend with you at the USY Leadership Training Institute 2026!

Flights – 

Please fly into Bradley International Airport (BDL) Friday, August 28th and departing on Sunday, August 30th. We will provide transportation to and from Bradley. You must land before 12:30pm on Friday, August 28th and depart from the airport after 4:15pm on Sunday, August 30th.

Midbar/West Coast – 

For those who are arriving from Midbar or the West Coast please reach out to your community director for specific flight information. If you don’t know your community director or aren’t sure who to connect with, please reach out to Jennifer Fisher and they can connect you with the best contact person.

Please fly into Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) arrive on Thursday, August 27th into and depart on Sunday, August 30th . We will provide transportation to and from Logan International Airport. You must land before 7:00 pm on Thursday, August 27th and depart from the airport after 5:00pm on Sunday, August 30th.

Train

For those of you coming from the Tri-State Area we will pick up teens from the Springfield (SPG), Mass Amtrak Station. Trains should arrive by 1:00pm on Friday Aug 28th and should depart after 2:30pm on Sunday Aug 30th. USY will provide transportation from the train station to LTI and back.

Driving-

For those who live locally in the Boston/Conn area or who are driving in, we ask that you get dropped off at 2:00pm on Friday and picked up on Sunday at 1:30pm. Drop off location will be given closer to LTI.

If you can’t find a time within our travel windows please be in touch directly to our Director of Immersive Experiences at [email protected] to discuss travel.

Ramah New England, Palmer, Massachusetts

All Jewish teens in 9th – 12th grade are welcome to attend.

Scholarships for the event are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so we strongly encourage you to apply as early as possible. To be considered, all scholarship requests must be submitted at least three weeks before the convention. Applications submitted after this deadline, including those during the regular pricing period, will be reviewed, but funds may be limited. Before submitting your scholarship request, please contact your synagogue, rabbi, or youth professional to explore additional assistance options. This preparation can help make your application process smoother. Important Reminders:

  • Your scholarship application will only be considered complete once the deposit for the convention is paid and all required forms are submitted.
  • Flight reimbursement requests must be submitted at least one month before the convention, along with your flight details.

If you have any questions or need guidance with the scholarship process, please contact Jennifer Fisher @ [email protected]. Apply early to ensure your request is reviewed and to make the most of available funds!

Yes!  USY is heavily subsidizing the price of this weekend and we would welcome any and all sponsorship opportunities.  Reach out to our Director of Business Operations, Avram Pachter at [email protected] if you are interested in sponsoring this weekend.