Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta (Federation) is strengthening the fabric of the Jewish community by expanding access for Jewish innovators to participate in Path by Plywood a micro-community of Jewish people that gather to learn together, inspire each other, and build their ideas together, creating a community of shared trust and support. This 8-week program is created in collaboration with Plywood People, a non-profit dedicated to leading a community of start-ups doing good.  The interactive online course is designed to help problem solvers decide which direction to take their ideas. Registration and to be considered for this next Path by Plywood cohort closes on April 7 or when registration capacity (max 15 participants) has been met. 

Plywood People is an Atlanta-based non-profit with more than 10 years experience giving entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs insight on the "who, why and how" of their organizations and ideas, as well as introducing them to a community of support.

The 2021 Path by Plywood cohort has a special twist: participants will have the opportunity to invest $2,500 of Federation Innovation funds into projects represented by the class. Upon completing the course, participants will invest the funds in a manner mirroring Federation Innovation grantmaking. 

As part of Federation’s ongoing collaboration with Plywood People, the two organizations have created a special track for members of the Jewish community. For this Jewish cohort, weekly video calls will be led by a Plywood People facilitator and a Jewish community leader. In addition to learning from 24 leading social entrepreneurs, this version of Path will also feature lessons from Jewish movers and shakers. 

“Federation Innovation exists to strengthen the Jewish community by helping bring Jewish possibilities to life,” says Russell Gottschalk, Director of Federation Innovation. “We believe in Plywood People’s proven Path curriculum and wanted to make it available to more members of the Jewish community. By adding a Jewish spin and including Jewish leaders as facilitators, we hope it will be even more beneficial to the dreamers and leaders in our community.”

The Jewish cohort of Path participants will experience a proven problem-solving method that has been implemented by hundreds of people. They will receive weekly e-books from Jeff Shinabarger, founder of Plywood People, video content, written articles, reflective challenges, and group meetups. Participants will answer thoughtful questions, give and receive feedback from peers, and attend weekly video calls.

The dates for the Path Jewish cohort are April 8 - May 27, with weekly video meet-ups on Thursday nights at 8 p.m. The cohort is available to Jewish community members for a discounted rate of $75 (regularly $249).

Previous participant Rabbi Ariel Root Wolpe received a Bloom grant from Federation Innovation for her nonprofit Ma’alot and, after completing Path, is now applying for a Propel grant -- one of Federation Innovation’s other opportunities for Jewish entrepreneurs. Describing the benefits of the program, Wolpe said: “Path by Plywood offered me two precious opportunities as a Jewish entrepreneur; to study effective approaches to growing a business and nonprofit, and to develop my vision in a community of like minded and supportive colleagues. I still draw on the relationships that developed from my cohort and continue to make connections through ongoing networking and programming for our group.” 

For more information, please visit or contact Director of Innovation, Russell Gottschalk.