UJA Scholarships
Each State has their own Scholarships and their own requirements.
There are many different kind of scholarships available some are need based but others are for anyone wanting to be in Israel. Please scroll down below and check your state to see what's available. If you have any questions please contact you local representative listed below.
Community Israel Experience Scholarships Available for Summer 2006
Compiled by the Jewish Renaissance and Renewal Pillar, UJC
UNITED STATES
Alabama
Birmingham
Birmingham Jewish Foundation has a scholarship fund available for teen and young
adult Israel trips. It is a need-based scholarship program and a limited amount
of money is available. Applicants are referred to the Jewish Family Services for
a needs assessment.
Contact:
Birmingham Jewish Foundation
Sally Friedman
(205) 803-1519
sallyf@bjf.org
Arizona
Phoenix
Administered by the Federation through the Gift of Israel program. Participation
in the Gift of Israel program can begin as early as 3rd grade. Teens can begin
to take trips in the 10th grade. The Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix also
releases $45,000-50,000 per year in additional Israel Experience scholarships
through the endowed Israel Experience Scholarship fund.
Contact:
The Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix
Israel Center
Eitan Ben-Ami
(480) 634-4900 ex 1119
eben-ami@jewishphoenix.org
israelcenter@jewishphoenix.org
Tucson
Administered by the JCC.
Contact:
Israel Center
Danny Bobman
Director
(520) 299-3000
dbobman@tucsonjcc.org
California
East Bay (Oakland)
The Israel Center of the Jewish Community Federation of the Greater East Bay has
a single ongoing (no deadline) scholarship process for high school and college
students. Eligible applicants must be under 30 years of age and live in Alameda
or Contra Costa counties. Awards are need based. Funds are applicable to study
in Israel only and are payable to the specific, recognized program and never to
the applicant. The Israel Center also offers a four-week Israel trip for 10th
and 11th graders.
Contact:
Jewish Community Federation of the East Bay
Marilyn Kinch
(510) 839-2900 x256
marilyn@jfed.org
www.jed.org/Israelctrschol.htm
Talia Leibler-Gabay
Summer Israel Trip Coordinator
(510) 839-2900 x255
talia@jfed.org
www.jfed.org/israelteentrips.htm
Los Angeles
Administered by the Federation. Federation offers Israel Connections/Experience
Program partnership grants with 90 local institutions. These institutions
include synagogues, the Bureau of Jewish Education, Jewish Community Centers,
the Los Angeles Hillel Council and youth groups. IC/E provides incentive grants
of up to $500 to those young people chosen as recipients by their partner
synagogue, organization or agency. Each partner determines the qualifications
for its participants under the IC/E guidelines. The synagogue and organization
partners provide an additional $250 above the amount of the IC/E grant. IC/E
also offers need-based scholarships for those students with financial need. Need
based grants traditionally range between $200-$1,500 per student. Applications
are to be received by February 15, April 15, July 15 and October 15.
Participants must live in Federation zip codes and be between 15-26 years of
age. In partnership with the Jewish Free Loan Association (JFLA) IC/E helps
participating families access interest free loans. Loans require co-signers and
are for up to $3,500 each. IC/E also offers the Marks and Brown Fellowships
through the Jewish Community Foundation. These fellowships are for college,
graduate and post-graduate intensive year-long study in Israel. Marks and Brown
Fellowships range between $1,000 and $2,000. The IC/E lay committee provides
recommendations based on financial need, academic achievement, and plans for
involvement in the Jewish community upon return from Israel, to the Jewish
Community Foundation.
Contact:
Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles
Beth Singer
Program Associate
Israel Connections/Experiences
(323) 761-8342
latoisrael@jewishla.org
www.lajewishteen.org
San Diego
Administered through the United Jewish Federation of San Diego County's Israel
Center. Applicants must be full time high school or college students between the
ages of 15 and 26. Applicants must have a minimum grade point average of 2.0 and
commit to participation in pre and post travel activities and educational
programs. Upon their return applicants are expected to participate in some type
of Jewish education; share their Israel Experience through written and oral
presentations; participate in Jewish communal activities, and perform community
service by volunteering for a Jewish communal agency or synagogue for a minimum
of 10 hours during the year following the Israel Experience. Programs must be
educationally based and be a sponsored by a nationally recognized pluralistic
and Zionist Jewish institution. Israel Center subsidies are need based, range
from $100-$1,500 per student and all funds are distributed to the specified
Israel program, not to the recipients. Application deadline is November 4th.
Funding will not be provided for airfare or personal expenses. San Diego also
runs the Scott Stone San Diego Israel Teen Trip and the Jacobs International
Teen Leadership Institute. The Stone family provides a $500 subsidy per teen
participating on the trip and the Jacobs family provides all funding beyond the
$1,200 paid by each participant.
Contact:
United Jewish Federation of San Diego County
UJF Israel Center, LLC
Heather Frank
(858) 571-3444
isctr@ujfsd.org
San Francisco
Administered by the Bureau of Jewish Education and available to all students.
Gift of Israel program is also available through the Jewish Community
Federation.
Contact:
Jewish Community Federation
(415) 777-0411
giftofisrael@sfjcf.org
Bureau of Jewish Education
info@bjesf.org
Colorado
Colorado
The Colorado Agency for Jewish Education offers scholarship money for those
students who participate on its community Israel trip, Israel Study Tour (IST).
Contact:
Colorado Agency for Jewish Education
Steve Glickman
IST Director
CAJE Israel Study Tour
(303) 321-3191
sglickman@caje-co.org
Connecticut
Danbury
The Teen Israel Experience program is open to all Jewish youth entering grades
9-12. This program is appropriate for applicants who must be identified as
Jewish and who reside in the jurisdiction of the Jewish Federation. Only those
programs approved by the UJC (United Jewish Communities) are suitable for
scholarship applications. There is a $1000 cap on merit scholarships and a $2000
cap on financial scholarships, therefore the maximum award for any applicant is
$3000. There is no minimum grant. Recipients of the Israel Teen Experience
Scholarship are required to "give back" by promoting the program through such
means as speaking before synagogue youth groups and/or addressing the Board of
Directors of the Jewish Federation.
Contact:
The Jewish Federation
Cathy Goldenberg
Youth Coordinator
(203) 792-6353
info@thejf.org
Hartford
Administered by the Federation and available to teens.
Contact:
Trish Mason, Registrar
Commission on Jewish Education
860 233 2288 x 373
New Haven
Administered by the Bureau of Jewish Education and is available to students on
summer trips.
Contact:
Department of Jewish Education
Stacey Battat
Israel Desk
(203) 387-2424
sbattat@jewishnewhaven.org
Stamford
The United Jewish Federation of Greater Stamford, New Canaan and Darien offers
the Gift of Israel Program. The federation awards a certificate valued at $500
to each participant at the time of his or her Bar/Bat Mitzvah. Recipients can
use the Gift of Israel award from the summer following graduation of 8th grade
through the summer immediately following graduation from 12th grade on any
approved Israel summer program or March of the Living program. Eligible Israel
summer programs are sponsored by a recognized non-profit Jewish educational
organization, is a peer group program, is 4 weeks or longer in duration and
integrates the Israel travel experience with stimulating Jewish educational
programs. The certificate cannot be used for 1-year study in Israel.
Contact:
United Jewish Federation of Greater Stamford, New Canaan and Darien
Edith Samers
(203) 321-1373
edith@ujf.org
Delaware
Delaware
The Jewish Federation if Delaware makes grants to high school students between
15-17 years of age. These grants are for structured programs in Israel that are
sponsored by national or international Jewish youth organizations and are
approved by the federation. All applicants must still be in high school when
they return from Israel, preferences will be given to applicants who have not
participated in prior Israel programs and applicants must commit themselves to
attend briefings before and after their Israel experience. Applicants commit
themselves to community service when they return. Applicants' parents must
contribute to the Annual Campaign, thereby becoming members of the Jewish
Federation of Delaware.
Contact
Jewish Federation of Delaware
Gina Kozicki
(302) 427-2100 ex. 20
District of Columbia
Washington D.C.
Financial need scholarships for teens and young adults to study in Israel are
available to the Greater Washington Jewish community. These Israel Experience
Scholarships are administered through the Partnership for Jewish Life and
Learning and The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington. Deadline for these
Israel Experience Scholarships are April.
Washington also offers a merit-based scholarship, Israel Quest, to encourage
high school teens to participate in an Israel experience. Israel Quest,
administered through Jewish Experiences for Teens and the Partnership for Jewish
Life and Learning, is a program that partners with synagogues, community
agencies and the United Jewish Endowment Fund to offer $1,250 to teens who have
stayed involved in Jewish life post B'nai Mitzvah to be used on an approved
Israel trip.
Contact:
Israel Experience Scholarships
Tracy Newman
301-230-7269
tnewman@pjll.org
Israel Quest
Susan Friedman
301-230-7275
sfriedman@pjll.org
Florida
Boca Raton (So. Palm Beach County)
Administered by the Jewish Education Commission of the Jewish Federation of
South Palm Beach County and available to college and high school students
who study in Israel and students who participate in congregational trips.
Scholarships given are either $500 or $1000.
Contact:
Jewish Education Commission
Leigh Garczynski
JEC Office Manager &
Executive Assistant to
Dr. Leon Weissberg
(561) 852-3318
leighg@bocafed.org
Broward County
Administered through the Orloff Central Agency for Jewish Education (Orloff CAJE)
Israel Experience Center. Participates in the Gift of Israel Savings program
only for students in the system already.
Contact:
Israel Experience Center
Tova Sher
Vice President
(954) 660-2070
arudnick@cajebroward.org
Miami
Administered through the Federation and available to high school and college
students, and young adults up to age 26 for qualified programs. Scholarships are
need based and available on a one time basis to residents of Miami Dade county
only. Other restrictions apply.
Contact:
Greater Miami Jewish Federation
Barbara Pehr
Israel Programs Department
(305) 576-4000 ex 495
Bpehr@GMJF.org
Palm Beach
Administered by the Federation and available to teens and college students,
specific scholarships for post Bar and Bat Mitzvah travel.
Contact:
Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County
Israel Program Center
561-478-0700, ext. 176
info@jfedpbco.org
Georgia
Atlanta
A partnership of the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta and the Center for
Jewish Education and Experiences. Program is for community members age 15-26.
Both incentive and need-based scholarships available. Pre and post-trip
education is offered.
Contact:
Jan Jaben-Eilon
Center for Jewish Education and Experiences
Israel Experience Program
(770) 677-9486
israelexperience@cjee.org
Illinois
Chicago
Scholarships based on financial need and merit are available from the Jewish
Federation/Jewish United Fund of Metropolitan Chicago for high school students,
college students and young adults participating in approved Israel Experience
programs. All applicants must be Chicago area residents or attend school in the
Chicago area. Financial need-based scholarships are offered twice each year, in
the fall for programs beginning December through June, with applications due
November 1st, and in the spring for programs beginning June through the
following spring, with applications due March 1st. Merit scholarships for those
demonstrating outstanding community service and leadership quality are available
only during the spring scholarship offering.
Applicants for high school financial need based scholarships must be enrolled in
grade 10,11 or 12; applicants for college student/young adult financial
need-based scholarships must be high school graduates through age 28; and merit
scholarship applicants are limited to high school sophomores through college or
grad students up until age 24.
Contact:
Jewish United Fund
Doris Wolin
Director of Israel Experience and Special Scholarships
(312) 444-2895 or (312) 444-2904
IsraelExperience@juf.org
Indiana
Indianapolis
The Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis (JFGI) administers the Send a Kid
to Israel Partnership (SKIP) in which families contribute up to $100 per year
and receive matching funds from their synagogue and the Federation toward a trip
to Israel. The Federation contributes $2 for every dollar from the family, and
the synagogue adds up to $1 for every dollar contributed by the family. Matching
funds begin in 3rd grade and continue until 11th grade.
Contact:
Bureau of Jewish Education
Tracy Mishkin
Program Director
(317) 255-3124
tmishkin@bjeindy.org
South Bend
The Jewish Federation of St. Joseph Valley (South Bend, Indiana) administers the
Michiana TIES (Teen Israel Experiences) program in which families contribute up
to $75 per year and receive matching funds from their synagogue of $75 per year
as well as $100 from the Federation toward a trip to Israel. The program may
begin as early as age 5 and continues for a maximum of 10 years. (No students
are eligible to begin the program once they are 13 years of age.) A student
enrolled in the program for the full 10 years will have $2500 plus accrued
interest available for an educational trip to Israel. The money remains
available until the student is 23 years of age.
Contact:
Jewish Federation of St. Joseph Valley
(574) 233-1164
Iowa
Des Moines
The Israel ID program is run through the Jewish Federation of Greater Des Moines
and the Des Moines Jewish Foundation. This program is open to every Jewish child
living in the Greater Des Moines/Ames area. The Foundation subsidizes students
for an approved trip to Israel based on the number of "credits" earned with a
maximum subsidy of $2,100. The trip to Israel must be approved by the student's
congregational Rabbi and the religious school director.
Students receive credits towards their Israel Experience from 5th grade through
10th grade. Credits are accumulated based on religious school attendance and
participation and attending Jewish camps. Students must also complete an Israel
course through our Senior High School program.
Contact:
Jewish Federation Community School
Lyanna Grund
Coordinator
(515) 277-5566
jcslkg@aol.com
Kansas
Kansas City
Administered by the Central Agency for Jewish Education as well as schools and
synagogues and available to students studying in Israel.
Contact:
CAJE
Alan Edelman
(913) 327-8140
alane@jewishkc.org
Kentucky
Lexington
Scholarships for Israel Experience programs in Israel are available through the
Central Kentucky Jewish Federation. Applicants must participate in programs with
a Jewish and/or Israel educational component and a minimum of 10 days in Israel.
Applications are review by a special committee and are strictly confidential.
The deadline for applications is March 10th and scholarships are awarded on a
first come first served basis. To apply, send cover letter including amount
requested and program description to: 1050 Chinoe Road # 203, Lexington, KY
40502
Contact:
Central Kentucky Jewish Federation
Israel Scholarship Committee
(859) 269-8244
Louisiana
New Orleans
Administered by the Federation and available for community members ages 16-26
through the Edie and Paul Rosenblum Gift of Israel program. (CURRENT STATUS OF
PROGRAM UNKOWN)
Contact:
Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans
Adam Bronstone
(504) 780-5600
adam@jewishnola.com
Maryland
Baltimore
The Community Fund for Israel Experiences (CFIE), established by The Associated
Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore and administered by the Center for
Jewish Education (CJE), encourages Baltimore teen travel to Israel. Travel and
study in Israel are important ways to enhance Jewish identity. CJE encourages
Baltimore area Jewish teens to apply for CFIE stipends when they attend
educationally validated programs in Israel.
CFIE Community Group and School Grants are distributed to local Israel trip
sponsors on behalf of their participants. Although participants in community and
school-based trips cannot apply for individual stipends, they can be considered
for Special Funds Scholarships and Interest Free Loans. Applications for these
programs can be obtained from your Israel trip coordinator.
CFIE Stipends are available to Jewish teens in grades nine through twelve
(including those attending a trip after graduation) who reside in Baltimore City
or County and are traveling to Israel for at least two weeks on an educationally
validated program (excluding Baltimore community or school-based trips). CFIE
stipends may be used for school break, summer, semester or year-long travel to
Israel. Stipends range from $300 to $750 and are determined based on the
student's grade level, length of trip and demonstrated commitment to continued
Jewish education. Students are limited to one CFIE stipend per year. CFIE
stipends may not exceed 50% of the total cost of an Israel experience. The
lifetime maximum is $1500 per student.
Applications are available in the beginning of November and are due on February
1, 2006. Any applications received after February 1 will be funded on a
first-come, first-served basis. CFIE stipends are sent directly to the Israel
trip providers when proof of registration and trip cost is received. CFIE
recipients must attend pre-trip programming with a parent or guardian and
complete ten hours of community service.
Additional limited need-based funds are available for students with documented
financial need who have demonstrated academic and leadership potential. CFIE
applicants with financial need may also apply for a $1,000 interest-free loan
from Hebrew Free Loan Association of Baltimore.
The information provided above applies to the 2005-2006 funding cycle. CFIE
guidelines are subject to change each year.
Contact:
Dr. Rivkah Lambert Adler, Administrator
Center for Jewish Education
Community Fund for Israel Experiences
(410) 735-5016
teens2israel@cjebaltimore.org
Massachusetts
Berkshires (Pittsfield, MA)
The Jewish Federation of the Berkshires administers the Michael Nathaniel Shute
Endowment Fund which provides scholarships for youth trips to Israel. Recipients
are selected based on demonstrations of community involvement, educational
interest and financial need. The Endowment Fund was established by Celia Shute
in memory of her son Michael.
Contact:
Jewish Federation of the Berkshires
Arlene D. Schiff
Executive Director
(413) 442-4360 ext. 12
Arlene.schiff@verizon.net
Boston
Administered by the Federation, scholarships are available to residents of the
greater Boston community. Applicants must be enrolled in an organized Israel
program, personal trips will not be funded. Once enrolled in an Israel program
the program provider is asked to send a letter to the CJP Israel Experience Desk
with the name of applicant, official statement of acceptance into program, name
of program, dates of program, cost of program, applicant contact information,
address where scholarship can be mailed, statement that the applicant is in need
of financial assistance. If it is not possible to apply to a program without the
assurance that scholarship money will be available, applicants should first
contact the Israel Program's Desk. Funds are sent directly to the program. Under
development: Students will now be expected to commit to recruiting for their
Israel Experience program several hours per month in exchange for scholarship
money.
Contact:
Combined Jewish Philanthropies
Israel Programs Desk
(617) 457-8654
israelprograms@cjp.org
Northshore
Administered by the Federation, Y2I, available to Jewish or interfaith high
school sophomores or juniors residing in one of the north shore federation's 23
cities and towns, is a year-long educational & community service program which
is highlighted by a fully funded community trip (either the Y2I European
Adventure with Israeli teens or the Next Stop Israel Program in Poland and
Israel. Students can choose to use the $4680 subsidy towards travel on another
approved Israel program, typically a youth movement or camp trip. Application
deadline for Y2I is December.
Contact:
Jewish Federation of the North Shore
Marla Gay
Director, Youth to Israel Programs
(978) 564-0729
marlag@jfns.org
www.jewishnorthshore.org
Springfield
Administered by the Jewish Endowment Foundation of Western Massachusetts there
are several scholarships available to students studying in Israel. The Israel
Youth Scholarship Fund offers scholarships to all local youth who have completed
their sophomore, junior or senior year. Applicants must be students or graduates
of any of the Jewish schools. Priority consideration will be given to applicants
who will be making their first trip to Israel. Awards will be based on need,
qualifications, and potential for future Jewish leadership. Western
Massachusetts also offers the Hebrew Education, Culture and Israel Scholarship
Fund available to students who live in Hampden county who have completed their
sophomore, junior or senior year of high school. Students must participate in a
summer teen study or tour program in Israel. The Jewish Endowment Foundation
also offers specific scholarships for the March of the Living program which
include the Totsy Foundation March of the Living Scholarship. The Jeffrey A
Parish Fund for Israel Study is available for undergraduate or graduate study in
Israel for a student who lives in Pioneer Valley. The Blanche Alport Memorial
Scholarship Fund for Judaic Studies provides college scholarships for students
studying in Israel, preferably at Hebrew University. The Melvin and Florence
Lavin Fund for Israel Travel supports college and graduate students who wish to
travel to Israel. Priority is given to students who are unaffiliated and/or have
not been to Israel before.
Contact:
The Jewish Endowment Foundation of Western Massachusetts
Elaine M. Shepard
Director of Grants Administration
(413) 732-9994
elaines@jewishspringfield.org
Michigan
Detroit
Administered by the Federation and available to all students.
Contact:
Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit
Israel and Overseas Services
(248) 642-4260
Washtenaw County (Ann Arbor, MI)
The Jewish Federation of Washtenaw County provides stipends to any high school
student participating in his/her first Israel Experience program. Previous
travel to Israel with family does not disqualify applicants.
Contact:
Jewish Federation of Washtenaw County
Jeffrey Y. Levin
(734) 677-0100
jefflevin@jccfed.org
Minnesota
Minneapolis
The Israel Program Center of the Minneapolis Jewish Federation provides
need-based scholarships to community members of all ages who are participating
in educational based programs for a minimum of four weeks. Minneapolis area
teens are also eligible to receive merit-based grants from the Louis Herman
Israel Experience Fund that can be used towards their peer educational Israel
experience. For more information about the Louis Herman grant, please visit
www.jewishminnesota.org and click on Missions and Travel.
Contact:
Minneapolis Jewish Federation
Laura Condon Leventhal
Israel Program Specialist
(952) 381-3552
lcleventhal@sabesjcc.org
St. Paul
St. Paul offers Israel Experience Scholarships through the federation for ages
13-22. Scholarships are a maximum of $750. Additional needs-based scholarships
are available as well as part of the Israel Experience Scholarship program. The
United Jewish Fund and Council contributes $150 per year to each student
enrolled in the Passport to Israel Program, congregations contribute $50 and
families contribute $150.
Contact:
United Jewish Fund and Council
Israel Experience Scholarships
(651) 695-3183
eliskora@ujfc.org
Missouri
Kansas City
Administered by the Central Agency for Jewish Education as well as schools and
synagogues and available to students studying in Israel.
Contact:
CAJE
Alan Edelman
(913) 327-8140
alane@jewishkc.org
St. Louis
Funded by the Federation and administered by the Central Agency for Jewish
Education, and available to teens in the form of need-based scholarships.
Contact:
The Central Agency for Jewish Education
Karen Rader
Director, Passport to Israel
(314) 442-3756
krader@cajestl.org
The Jewish Federation of St. Louis
Susan Witte
Senior Planning and Allocations Associate
(314) 432-0020
switte@jfedstl.org
Nebraska
Omaha
Offers Israel Experience Grants through the Center for Jewish Education, an
agency of the Jewish Federation of Omaha, for students currently enrolled in
Grades 9-12 who are residents of the Omaha metropolitan area. Recipients are
required to perform community service.
Contact:
Center for Jewish Education
Mary Sue Grossman
Administrator
(402) 334-6445
mgrossman@jewishomaha.org
New Jersey
Atlantic County
Administered through the Federation and the Bureau of Jewish Education and
available for students who travel on congregational trips.
Contact:
Jewish Federation of Atlantic and Cape May County
(609) 653-3030
jfedacm@cyberenet.net
Central New Jersey
Administered by the Federation, scholarships are available to residents of the
Central New Jersey community. Applicants must be enrolled in an organized Israel
program - personal trips will not be funded. Once enrolled in an Israel program,
the provider is asked to send a letter to the staff member of Jewish Education
at the Federation. The letter must include the name of applicant, official
statement of acceptance into program, name of program, dates and cost of
program. If it is not possible to apply to a program without the assurance that
scholarship money will be available, applicants should first contact the
Federation. Funds are sent directly to the program. Students will be expected to
volunteer for a Federation program in exchange for scholarship money. First time
applicants receive $750, second time applicants $500, others $100.
Contact:
Natan Brener
Staff Associate for Jewish Education
908-889-5335 ext.313
nbrener@jfedcnj.org
MetroWest
Administered by the Federation MetroWest offers two types of scholarships, the
Israel Experience Initiative and Financial Aid. The Israel Experience Initiative
is for high school students only, participating in a trip for a minimum of 4
weeks (concessions of trip length have been made during the matzav).
Participants must participate in pre-trip educational sessions and be a resident
of MetroWest. Qualified participants receive $750 and may receive an additional
$250 if their synagogue contributes. Participants may also have a separate Gift
of Israel savings account. Financial aid is available to all students, residing
in MetroWest, up to the age of 26 who are registered on approved study programs
in Israel. Participants must show proof of need and write a letter about why
they are going on the program. Financial aid is given based on needs and
organizational budget. MetroWest currently has flexible deadlines for their
scholarship deadlines. MetroWest does run its own Israel Experience Initiative
trip which is called MetroWest Goes Israel.
Contact:
United Jewish Communities of MetroWest
Legow Israel Family Program Center
Alan Gerberg
Director of Special Projects
(973) 929-3038
agerberg@ujcnj.org
Alona Nir
Community Youth Shlicha/MetroWest Goes Israel
anir@ujcnj.org
Middlesex County
The Jewish Federation of Greater Middlesex County offers scholarships of up to
$600 to students as matching funds.
Contact:
Jewish Federation of Greater Middlesex County
Susan Antman
(732) 432-7711
santman@jf-gmc.org
Monmouth County
The Jewish Federation of Greater Monmouth County offers a travel stipend of $500
per high school student through the Continuity Commission.
Contact:
Jewish Federation of Greater Monmouth County
Ann Goldman
Director of Planning and Allocations
(732) 531-6200
agoldman@jewishmonmouth.org
Northern New Jersey
Administered by the Federation, UJA Federation of Northern New Jersey offers
both need based and merit scholarships. Need based scholarships are available to
high school studetnts wishing to go on an Israel Experience. They are available
to students living in the Federation catchment area and the amount varies based
on the needs of each individual family and is subject to review by the
Scholarship Committee of the Israel Programs Center. Merit based scholarships of
$200 are awarded to teens participating in approved Israel Experience programs
of at least 4 weeks duration. They are available to any students living in the
Federation catchment area between the ages of 15-18 and has never participated
in an Israel Experience Program. Merit based scholarships are not to be combined
with any other scholarship given by the UJA Federation. All scholarships are
paid directly to the program vendor. The application deadline is March 7th,
2004. Scholarships are limited and applications are considered on a first come
first served basis.
Contact:
UJA Federation of Northern New Jersey
Machla Shaffer
Israel Programs Center Associate
(201) 488-6800, ext. 235
machlas@ujannj.org
Southern New Jersey
Administered by the Federation and available to teens. The Department of Jewish
Education offers the Gift of Israel Program and need-based scholarships.
Contact:
Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey
Penina Hoffnung
Director of the Department of Jewish Education & Continuity
(856) 751-9500 ext 208
phoffnung@jfedsnj.org
New York
Albany (Northeastern New York)
All Israel scholarships available from Northeastern New York are need based. In
addition, the applicant must reside in Northeastern New York (Albany,
Schenectady, Troy, Saratoga Springs, Glens Falls or the areas immediately
surrounding these locations).
Contact:
Deborah Chapman Goldstein
Jewish Federation of Northeast New York
800 New Loudon Road
Latham, NY 12110
(518) 783-7800 ext. 230
dgoldstein@jewishfedny.org
New York
Administered through the UJA-Federation of New York. Scholarships are available
to residents of New York City, Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester counties. Need
based scholarships are available for teens entering 10th-12th grade and for
college students and young adults up to age 30 on peer-group approved Israel
programs. A list of approved programs can be found on our website,
www.ujafedny.org/israelexperience. Interested individuals should apply directly
to their Israel program of choice using the program's scholarship application.
Scholarship applications should then be forwarded by the Israel program to UJA-Federation
and reviewed by a scholarship committee.
Merit based scholarships are also available for teens entering 10th-12th grade
on peer-group approved Israel programs. UJA-Federation of New York offers the
Robert A. Belfer Family Fellowships, Chaverim Awards and Singer Family Awards
(to Westchester residents) in the amount of $1,250. Students with leadership
potential may be nominated for this scholarship by a UJA-Federation agency or by
a synagogue participating in the UJA-Federation annual campaign. Students are
required to provide Jewish community service upon returning home from Israel at
their nominating agency or synagogue.
Contact:
UJA-Federation of New York
Israel Experience Center
(800) 64-ISRAEL
israelctr@ujafedny.org
www.ujafedny.org/israelexperience
Rochester
Administered by the Federation and available to Jewish teens and college
students in Greater Rochester.
Contact:
Sahar Oz
(585) 461-0490 x249
soz@jewishrochester.org
Suffolk County, NY
Administered by the Federation as well as synagogues and schools and available
to those who participate in their program.
Contact:
SAJES
(631) 462-8600
dfriedman@sajes.org
Syracuse
The Syracuse Jewish Federation offers $250 to each high school student who has
completed the 10th grade or will complete the 10th grade at the time of his or
her Israel trip at the Federation subsidized Rabbi Epstein Hebrew High School,
The Temple Society of Concord Hebrew High School, the Temple Adath Yeshurun
Confirmation Class, or if the student has just relocated here, the equivalent at
a Hebrew High School in another city. Scholarships are only available to high
school students who have not been on an organized peer trip to Israel. All
programs must be approved by the Federation. Students are required to attend 1
session prior to their trip and required to recruit others to participate in
Israel trips when they return and to share their experiences with the community.
The Federation offers an additional scholarship to the same group. The Wolfson
scholarship requires students to complete an application, write an essay as well
as participate in an interview. Financial need is considered.
Contact:
Syracuse Jewish Federation
Rich Friedman
(315) 445-2040 ext. 105
rfriedman@sjfed.org
North Carolina
Greensboro
Greensboro has scholarships available through the Israel Experience Grant
Program. We offer scholarships to community members ages 16-23 for a first time,
peer community trip in high school or college. We also have a limited number of
need based scholarships through the Jacke W. and Lottie K. Samet Israel
Experience Scholarship fund of the Greensboro Jewish Federation. For criteria
and availability use contact information below.
Contact:
Greensboro Jewish Federation
Alina Gerlovin Spaulding
(336) 852-5433 ext. 229
aspaulding@shalomgreensboro.org
Ohio
Akron
The Israel Incentive Savings Program (IISP) is a three-way partnership between a
family, its congregation and the Jewish Community Board of Akron. The program is
designed to assist families in sending their children on an organized Israel
experience program. Teen trips are strongly encouraged, but IISP members can
travel any time from 10th grade until the age of 26.
Contact:
Jewish Community Board of Akron
Esther Hexter
Esther_hexter@jewishakron.org
Cincinnati
The Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati offers Jewish high school students $6000 for
travel to Israel on a minimum three-week organized educational peer trip.
College age students can receive up to $3000 for a minimum two-week organized
trip. The Foundation has a complete list of approved programs. Students must be
from Cincinnati and between the ages of 16 and 23.
Contact:
Barbara Miller
Director of Community Leadership Development and Israel Programs
Jewish Federation of Cincinnati
4050 Executive Park Drive Suite 300
Cincinnati OH 45241
(513) 985-1528
bmiller@jfedcin.org
Cleveland
Administered by the Jewish Education Center of Cleveland (JECC), the Jewish
Identity and Israel Travel Program Scholarships are available to high school and
undergraduate college students who are affiliated with Cleveland (either a
resident of Cleveland or going to school in Cleveland) demonstrating financial
need. Funds are available to Clevelanders who are first and second timers going
to Israel on peer educational experiences. Up to $2000 may be granted to a first
timer, up to $1500 to a 2nd timer. The awards may be in the form of grant, loan
or a combination of the two. The Gift of Israel savings program, administered by
the Jewish Education Center of Cleveland, is a 7 year savings plan for students
in religious schools. Enrollment in the program can begin as early as
prekindergarten if the child is in day school or one of the Sunday School
programs. It is a partnership between the family, school/congregation and the
Jewish Community Federation. The year of Bar/Bat Mitzvah, a $300 certificate is
given to the child in recognition of the simcha. Total savings over the 7 years
is $2225. The funds may be used for approved Israel experiences such as family
trips, 8th grade class trips, high school teen experiences, seminary, yeshivot,
or college experiences. The funds are available until age 26. Special funds are
available for Nesiya, Eisendrath International Exchange (EIE) and Tichon Ramah
Yerushalayim (TRY). Contact Helen Wolf for details about the special funds.
Contact:
Jewish Education Center of Cleveland
Helen Wolf
Israel Programs Director
(216) 371-0446
hwolf@jecc.org
Columbus
The Columbus Jewish Federation offers Israel Experience grants up to $2,000 to
any teen who is a resident of Columbus, Ohio. Most programs which qualify for
Teen Israel Experience grants are listed on www.israelexperience.com. We also
offer Israel Experience grants up to $2,500 to college students who are either
permanent residents of Columbus or attend a college or university in Central
Ohio. Need-based scholarships are also available for teens and college students
who are permanent Columbus residents or college students currently enrolled in a
college or university in the Columbus, Ohio area.
Contact:
The Columbus Jewish Federation
Nancy Rosen
(614) 559-3250
nrosen@tcjf.org
Toledo
Administered by the United Jewish Council of Greater Toledo. Offers the SKIP
(Send a Kid to Israel) Program. Scholarships for high schools students that are
given in cooperation with local synagogues, and assists Hillel foundations at
the University of Toledo and Bowling Green State University in the recruitment
of students for Birthright Israel. The Toledo Jewish Community Foundation also
awards a limited number of scholarships on a needs basis.
Contact:
United Jewish Council of Greater Toledo
Arleen Levine
(419) 724-0355
Arleen@jewishtoledo.org
Oregon
Portland
Portland has the Teen Israel Experience program. This is a program of the Oregon
Board of Rabbis and the Jewish Federation of Portland. Jewish teens that are in
congregational religious schools may participate in the program, which takes
place between their 11th and 12th grades in religious school. The teens must
meet the requirements set forth by the Board of Rabbis, and the trip itself must
be approved by the Board of Rabbis. Typical qualifying trips may be those of the
various denominations as well as some of the national non-denominational youth
groups. Teens may receive a community scholarship of up to 80% of the cost of
the trip, not to exceed $4,000. this amount is not guaranteed and may change
depending on financial circumstances in the community.
Major funding for the trip is provided by an annual grant from the Jewish
Federation of Portland and scholarships from the Arthur Krichevsky Fund of the
Oregon Jewish Community Foundation.
Contact:
The Jewish Federation of Portland, Inc.
Charles R. Schiffman
Executive Vice-President
(503) 245.6482 or (503) 245.6219
Charlie@jewishportland.org
Pennsylvania
Philadelphia
Administered by the Federation, scholarships are need based. Anyone in the
federation area is eligible to apply including teens, college students, post
graduate students, adults doing study programs, volunteer programs and more. The
maximum scholarship is $2,500, but no more than half of the program expense.
Amounts are awarded based on financial need of the individual according to a set
formula. Philadelphia offers a separate need based scholarship for students
doing yeshiva and seminary programs. There are no set deadlines for
scholarships, they are given out on a rolling basis. Philadelphia also offers a
Passport to Israel program and participants may also apply for additional need
based scholarships. Philadelphia is considering running a community Israel trip
this summer.
Contact:
Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia
Donna Levinson
IPC Administrator
Israel and Overseas Center
2100 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 832-0550
dlevinson@PHILAFEDERATION.org
www.israelprogramscenter.org
Rhode Island
Rhode Island
Grants are available to all high school and college students who are Rhode
Island residents and who are planning to study in Israel. Our community supports
an Israel experience as an integral part of a student's Jewish education.
Additional need-based scholarships are available to students who merit financial
aid.
Grants and scholarships are provided by the Leonard I. Salmanson Endowment Fund
of Jewish Federation of Rhode Island, by the Graubart Irving Scholarship of
Jewish Federation of Rhode Island, by the Marochnack Zionist Memorial
Scholarship Fund of Jewish Federation of Rhode Island and by the Lillian and
Sidney Ross Endowment Fund of the Bureau of Jewish Education.
High School Programs
Summer programs
Eligibility: Rhode Island residents; high school age; Students attending a
recognized study/travel program are eligible for grants and financial aid.
Applications, an Israel test, a personal interview and references are required
for all students. In addition, all students must participate in an orientation
session, (two evenings, for a total of seven hours) and a re-entry session;
also, they must complete ten hours of community service during the year
following their return from Israel.
Academic Year Programs
Eligibility: Rhode Island residents: 10th, 11th, and 12th graders with high
academic standing; approval from public or private school to allow students to
complete the quarter, semester or years worked in Israel. Transcripts from
secular school, interviews, orientation, re-entry and community service are
required.
College Programs
Eligibility: Rhode Island residents; College age, college students and
post-graduates may apply for a Keren grant for a year-long semester, summer
program or one of shorter duration. Programs must have a strong educational
component. Personal interviews, applications and references are required.
Community service is also required.
Contact:
Bureau of Jewish Education of Rhode Island
Shira Garber
Israel Desk Director
(401) 331-0956
sgarber@bjeri.org
Rich Walter
rwalter@bjeri.org
Tennessee
Memphis
The Memphis Jewish Federation provides both incentive and need-based
scholarships for community members between the ages of 15 and 26. Incentive
scholarships are $2500 and need based are up to $1000. Those community members
that accept the scholarships must perform community service in the Memphis
community following the trip.
Contact:
Memphis Jewish Federation
Gerri Patterson
Director of Education and Israel Programs
(High School Scholarships)
(901) 767-7100
gpatterson@memjfed.org
Hillel of Memphis at the Jewish Student Union
Emily Bernardt
Director
(901) 452-2453
jstudent@midsouth.rr.com
Nashville
Administered through the Central Agency for Jewish Education and available to
teens and college students.
Contact:
Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville and Middle Tennessee
Lynn Fleischer
(615) 356-3242 ex. 255
library@jewishnashville.org
Texas
Dallas
Administered through the Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas scholarship money
is allocated every year from the annual campaign as well as endowment. All
scholarships are need based and need is determined by the S.S.S. a private
scholarship service also used by the local day schools. To be eligible students
must be between the ages of 16-26, from Dallas and participating in a trip of at
least 10 days that includes some education and some touring of Israel. There is
no deadline for application. Dallas also hosts the Gift of Israel program.
Families can sign children up at birth and matching grants begin when the child
reaches the 3rd grade. Matching grants end when the child reaches 10th grade.
Students have until their 26th birthday to use the funds. Families put in a
minimum of $200 a year and the community foundation and participating synagogues
put in $50 per year.
Contact:
Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas
Esther Nathan
(214) 750-6461
enathan@jfgd.org
www.dallasteentours.com
Houston
Administered by the Bureau of Jewish Education and available to all teens and
college students. BJE also runs the Gift of Israel program.
Contact:
Bureau of Jewish Education
Elaine Kellerman
Executive Director
(713) 729-7000 ext. 310
ekellerman@houstonjewish.org
Washington
Seattle
Jewish Education Council of the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle
Teen Scholarships available
Criteria:
o Be a permanent resident of Washington State.
o Participate in an Israel program any time between the summer after ninth grade
until high school graduation.
o Select an Israel program that is an approved educational youth/peer program of
at least 21-days in length, (i.e. adventure travel, community service, volunteer
work, high school study). The March of the Living is also a qualified program.
Deadline for Programs beginning in winter or spring: Postmarked by Friday
November 4, 2005. Deadline for Programs beginning in summer or fall: Postmarked
by Friday March 31, 2006
Contact:
Jewish Education Council
Sara Lahyani
(206) 774-2236
saral@jewishinseattle.org
Israel@jewishinseattle.org
Wisconsin
Milwaukee
Administered by the Federation through their Passport to Israel, Israel
Educational Experience Incentive Program and Community Teen Trip to Israel.
Contact:
Milwaukee Jewish Federation
Alon Galron
(414) 390-5700
along@milwaukeejewish.org
CANADA
British Columbia
Vancouver
Grants based on financial need are available from the Israel Affairs Department
at the Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver. Eligibility is limited to Jewish
applicants ages 14-26 and are residents of British Columbia. Priority is given
to applicants that are making their first trip to Israel. The maximum
scholarship available is $2,500 per applicant. Applicants are expected to
contribute to the cost of the Israel program as much as they are able. Deadlines
for application are November 1, March 6, May 15 and July 4. Each student must
sign a pledge of community involvement upon their return from Israel which can
include speaking about Israel to a group of students or adults, volunteering for
service at a Jewish agency, volunteering for service at a community event or
participating in Jewish studies. Visit: http://www.jfgv.com/content_display.html?ArticleID=98859
to download an application.
Contact:
Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver
Yair Tabenkin
Israel Affairs Department
(604) 257-5100
ytabenkin@jfgv.com
Ontario
Toronto
Does not offer any scholarships for high school or college students at this
time. UJA Federation of Greater Toronto does offer scholarships for
post-secondary study for a full year in Israel. Toronto also keeps extensive
lists of additional scholarship opportunities for Israel travel.
Contact:
UJA Federation of Greater Toronto
Richard Stoll
Senior Education Consultant
(416) 635-2883
rstoll@ujafed.org
Quebec
Montreal
FEDERATION CJA/Israel Experience Grants Program offers need-based scholarships
to permanent residents of Montreal age 18-26 who wish to study in Zionist
institutions or participate on multi week Israel Experience programs.
Contact:
Bronfman Israel Experience Centre
FCJA
Roslyn Blacker
(514) 345-6449 ext. 3046
roselynb@bjec.org
