Abrahamic Program for Young Adults

Sponsored by the Department of Religion at Chautauqua Institution, the Abrahamic Program for Young Adults (APYA) seeks to draw on the rich history and presence of religion at Chautauqua Institution by providing opportunities for interfaith dialogue and service to young adults interested in ministry, chaplaincy, or interfaith work more broadly.  

Interactions, conversations, and experiences are planned to help participants grow within their own faith tradition, gain experiential knowledge of the other Abrahamic traditions, and to promote harmony and understanding among the Abrahamic faiths.  

Contact Information

Rafia Khader
Director of Religion Programs
rkhader@chq.org 

The Abrahamic Program for Young Adults is supported with funds from the Joseph H. & Florence Roblee Foundation.

2024 APYA Program

For the 2024 summer season, four coordinators – one Jewish, one Christian, and two Muslims (one male and one female) – will help lead worship services, facilitate conversations, and provide religious education to the Chautauqua community during the Summer Assembly. 

Coordinators will also have an opportunity to develop their own program(s) based on their mutual interests and vocational goals.

 In addition, the coordinators will have special opportunities each week to meet and dine with our Chaplains and Interfaith Lecture Series Speakers. 

The commitment would be from Wednesday, June 19–Friday, August 16 (eight and a half weeks).  Accommodations, meals, and a stipend will be provided.   

Application Requirements

  1. Applicants must be devoted to their own faith tradition AND be open and respectful of the other faith traditions with which they will be living and working.
  2. Applicants must have earned a bachelor’s degree and be at least 21 years old.
  3. Applicants should have a desire to grow as a leader, be able to work within a team, and be willing to be part of a learning community.  
  4. Familiarity with inter-religious dialogue is highly preferred. 
  5. Each applicant should submit an online application form, resume, and a 1-2 page letter of interest.  This letter should explain why you are seeking the coordinator position, describe your previous interfaith involvement, and address your professional goals. 

Applications are due Monday, January 8, 2024.

Apply to be a 2024 APYA Coordinator! 

Please fill out this form. Applications are due Monday, January 8, 2024.