Scholarship Opportunities
Participants on Israel Summer Programs often pursue scholarships and financial aid to help finance the program cost. In many cases, participants receive aid from multiple scholarship sources. In the sections below, you will find information on scholarships through Young Judaea and sources in your community.
Hadassah/Young Judaea Scholarships
Website: https://yjscholarships.hadassah.org/
Young Judaea through Hadassah offers limited need-based scholarships. Only those registered for YJ Machon and YJ Discovery are eligible for consideration. If you have any questions regarding scholarships, please email yjscholarships@hadassah.org or call our New York office Monday to Thursday from 9 am to 4 pm eastern time at 212-451-6268. Deadline for Hadassah scholarships is March 22nd, 2013.
National Scholarship Opportunities
Need Help Getting to Israel? Through Jewish National Fund’s Plant Your Way to Israel program you can raise money towards your Young Judaea Israel Trip. The concept is simple: ask your friends and family members to plant trees in Israel through tax deductible donations. Half of the money donated will support JNF Forestry projects in Israel, and the other half will be held in an account on your behalf. You can conveniently manage your account online through your personal fundraising web page. Once 10 trees have been planted in your account, you are eligible to redeem the funds. Once notified, JNF will send the funds directly to Young Judaea to supplement the cost of your trip. Register today at www.jnf.org/pyw Questions? Contact Michelle Beller from JNF at education@jnf.org or at 703-888-2235.
Plant Your Way allows students to raise money for their trips to Israel, and help Israel at the same time. The program is simple! Once registered for PYW, students ask their family and friends to make donations in support of JNF’s forestry projects in Israel. Half of all the funds raised will go towards JNF projects, and the other half is held in an account for the student to be used for their trip. More information about Plant Your Way
Here is a link for other Young Judaea opportunities; click here
Please find your state below to find additional scholarship sources in your area.
Alabama
The Birmingham Jewish Federation
PO Box 130219
Birmingham, AL 97219
Web site: http://www.bjf.org
Contact Person: Sally Friedman, Director
Phone: 205-879-0416
E-mail: sallyf@bjf.org
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.
Arizona
Israel Center, Jewish Community Center
3800 E River Rd.
Tucson, AZ 85718-6600
Web site: http://www.jewishtucson.org
Contact Person: Guy Gilbert, Director
Phone:520.577.9393
E-mail: ggilbert@jfsa.org
The Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix, Israel Center
Contact Person:Shlicha Sharron Topper-Amitai
Phone: 480-634-4900 ext 1109
E-mail: sharron@jewishphoenix.org
California
Jewish Federation of Los Angeles
Israel Connections/Experiences
6505 Wilshire Blvd.
Suite 900
Los Angeles, CA 90048 Contact Person: Beth Singer, Program Associate
Phone: 323-761-8342
E-mail: bsinger@jewishla.org
UJF of San Diego
4950 Murphy Canyon Rd.
San Diego, CA 92123-4325
Web site: www.jewishinsandiego.org
Contact Person: Communtiy Shlicha Shoshi Bogoch, Israel Center Program Coordinator
Phone: 858-737-7136
E-mail: shoshib@ujfsd.org; israelcenter@ujfsd.org
Provides need-based scholarships for San Diego residents only.
Jewish Federation of San Francisco
121 Steuart St.
7th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94105
Web site: www.sfjcf.org
Contact Person: Nicole Sasson Miller, Teen Program Director (Diller Teen Initiatives Foundation)
Phone: 415-777-0411
E-mail: nicoles@sfjcf.org
Jewish Federation of the Greater East Bay
300 Grand Ave.
Oakland, CA 94610
Web site: www.jfed.org/ and http://letsgoisrael.org/
Contact Persons: Loal Isaacs, director of Israel Programs, phone:510.318.6467, email: loal@jfed.org
Sean Mendell, director of planning (scholarships), phone: 510.318.6405; email: sean@jfed.org
Phone: 510-839-2900 ext. 255
E-mail: talia@jfed.org
Jewish Federation of Palm Springs and Desert Area
69-930 Highway 111
Suite 204
Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
Web site: www.jfedps.com
Contact Person: Bruce Landgarten, Executive Director
Phone: 760-324-4737
E-mail: bruce.landgarten@jfed.org
Jewish Federation of San Gabriel and Pomona Valley
Phone: 626-332-0700
The local Federation office offers scholarships for up to $500 to local teenagers travelling on approved summer programs to Israel. Applicants must write an essay and be interviewed as part of the application process.
Connecticut
Commission on Jewish Education
Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford
335 Bloomfield Ave.
West Hartford, CT 06117-1543
Contact Person: Anna Elfenbaum, Vice President, Jewish Education & Leadership
email: aelfenbaum@jewishhartford.org
Phone: 860.727.6136
Administered by the Federation and available to teens.
website: jewishhartford.org
The Jewish Federation of Danbury
Contact Person: Cathy Goldenberg, Youth Coordinator
Phone: 203-792-6353
E-mail: info@thejf.org
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.
JCC of Greater New Haven
Department of Jewish Education, New Haven
Contact Person: Rich Walter, Rich Walter, Director of Jewish life and learning
Phone: (203)387-2522 x300
E-mail: rwalter@jewishnewhaven.org
Administered by the Bureau of Jewish Education and is available to students on summer trips.
website: www.jewishnewhaven.org
United Jewish Federation of Greater Stamford, New Canaan and Darien
Contact Person: Edith Samers
Phone: (203) 321-1373
E-mail: edith@ujf.org
Delaware
Jewish Federation of Delaware
100 West 10th St.
St. 301
Wilmington, DE 19801-1628
Web site: http://www.shalomdelaware.org
Contact Person: Gina Kozicki, Associate Director, Endowment
Phone: 302-427-2100 ext. 20
E-mail: gina.kozicki@shalomdel.org
The Jewish Federation of 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. Administered by the Federation and available to teens.
Florida
Jewish Education Commission
Jewish Federation of S. Palm Beach County
9901 Donna Klein Blvd.
Boca Raton, FL 33428
Contact Person: Steven Schauder, Director of Jewish Education
Phone: (561) 852-3128
E-mail: stevens@bocafed.org
Available scholarships: $500 or $1000 grants available depending on short or long term trip.
Greater Miami Jewish Federation
4200 Biscayne Blvd.
Miami, FL 33137-3210
Web site: http://www.jewishmiami.org
Contact Person: Ellen Goldberg, Executive Vice President
Phone: 305-576-4000
E-mail: egoldberg@gmjf.org
Scholarships are need based and only available to residents of Miami-Dade County.
Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County
4601 Community Drive
West Palm Beach, FL 33417-2760
Contact Person: Sam Friedman, Jewish Teen Initiative Program Coordinator
Phone: 561-615-4953
Email: Sam.Friedman@JewishPalmBeach.org
Web site: http://www.jewishpalmbeach.org
Jewish Federation of Pinellas County
13191 Starkey Road North, Suite 8
Largo, FL 33773-1438
Web site: http://www.jewishpinellas.org
Contact Person: Stuart Berger, Financial Resource Development Director
Phone: 727-530-3223 ext 2
E-mail: stuartberger@jewishpinellas.org
Sarasota-Manatee Jewish Federation
580 Macintosh Rd.
Sarasota, FL 34232-1959
Web site: http://www.smjf.org
Contact Person: Jaci Babin
Phone: (941) 371-4546, ext. 102
“E-mail: jbabin@jfedsrq.org
Tampa Jewish Federation
13009 Community Campus Drive
Tampa, FL 33625-4000
Web site: http://www.jewishtampa.com
Contact Person: Alissa Fischel, JCC Director and Development Director
Phone: 813-264-9000
E-mail: alissa.fischel@jewishtampa.com
Israel Experience Center of Broward County
Fran Mishler, Director, Judaica High Broward County
Phone: (954) 660-2070 ext 155
Email: franjhs@live.com
Web site: http://www.cajebroward.org/israel/
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.
Georgia
Tribe 360
Center for Jewish Education and Experiences
4549 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd.
Atlanta, GA 30338
Contact Person: Jan Jaben-Eilon, Director of Israel Experience
Phone: 770-677-9486
E-mail: jan@tribe360.org
Ebony Robin at (404) 870-1615
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. The Israel Experience program of the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta offers $350 grants to teens towards travel to Israel on a qualified program. Recipients must attend pre- and post-trip meetings.
Savannah Jewish Federation
P.O. Box 23527
Savannah, GA 31403
Web site: http://www.savj.org
Contact Person: Director Adam Solenber
Phone: 912-355-8111, ext. 203
E-mail: adam@savj.org
Iowa
Jewish Federation of Des Moines
Jewish Federation Community School
910 Polk Blvd.
Des Moines, IA 50312
Web site: http://www.jewishdesmoines.org
Contact Person: Elaine Steinger, Executive Director
Phone: 515-277-6321 ext. 211
E-mail: elaine@dmjfed.org
Jewish Federation of Sioux City
815 38th St.
Sioux City, IA 51104-1417
Contact Person: Marilyn Cohen, Executive Director
Phone: 712-258-0618
E-mail: marilyncbs1@aol.com
Illinois
Jewish Federation of Southern Illinois, Southern Missouri and Western Kentucky
3419 West Main St.
Belleville, IL 62226
Web site: http://www.simokyfed.com
Contact Person: Rick Kodner, Camp Director, Summer Scholarships
Email:campbenfrankel@gmail.com
Contact Person: Burton Zwick, President, Long Term Scholarships
Phone: (618) 235-1614
E-mail: silfed@simokyfed.com
Champaign-Urbana Jewish Federation
503 East John Street
Champaign, IL 61820-5703
Web site: www.shalomcu.org
Contact Person: Lee Melhado, Executive Director
Phone: 217-367-9872
Jewish Federation of the Quad Cities
1705 2nd Avenue, Suite 405
Rock Island, IL 61201
Web site: www.jfqc.org
Contact Person: Allan Ross, Executive Director
Phone: 309-793-1300
E-mail: aross@jfqc.org
Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago
1 S Franklin St.
Chicago, IL 60606-4694
Web site: www.juf.org
Contact Person: Mandy Weiss, Assistant Director of Israel Experience
Phone: 312-444-2895 or 312-444-2086
E-mail: mandyweiss@juf.org
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.
Jewish Federation of Springfield Ilinois
2815 Old Jacksonville Rd., Suite 103A
Springfield, IL 62704
Web site: www.shalomspringfield.org
Contact Person: Josephine Datz, Executive Director, 2nd contact: Rachel Hinkle, Program Director
E-mail: jdatz@shalomspringfield.org, ext 12 and rhinkle@shalomspringfield.org, ext 11
Phone: 217-787-7223
Young Judaea Midwest Merchav
Winter Address: 4711 Golf Rd Suite 600, Skokie, IL 60076
Summer Address: E989 Stratton Lake Rd., Waupaca, WI 54981
Contact Person: Robin Anderson
Winter phone: 847-675-6790
Summer phone: Phone: (715) 258.2288
E-mail:robin@cyjmid.org
Indiana
Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis
Bureau of Jerwish Education
6705 Hoover Road
Indianapolis, IN 46260-4120
Web site: http://www.jfgi.org
Contact Person: Winnie Goldblatt, Endowment Director
Phone: 317-726-5450
E-mail: wgoldblatt@jfgi.org
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.
Jewish Federation of St. Joseph Valley
3202 Shalom Way
South Bend, IN 46615-2955
Web site: www.thejewishfed.org
Contact Person: Debora Grant, Executive Vice President
Phone: 574-233-1164
E-mail: dbartongrant@thejewishfed.org
Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis
6705 Hoover Road
Indianapolis, IN 46260
Contact Person: Carolyn Leeds, Scholarship Staff
Phone: 317-726-5450
E-mail: cleeds@jfgi.org
Kansas
The Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City
CAJE
5801 W 115th St., Ste. 201
Overland Park, KS 66211-1824
Web site: http://www.jewishkansascity.org/
Contact Person: Alan Edelman, Associate Executive Director
Phone: 913-327-8104
E-mail: alane@jewishkc.org
Mid-Kansas Jewish Federation
400 N. Woodlawn, Ste. 8
Wichita, KS 67208
Web site: http://www.mkjf.org
Contact Person: Judy Press, Executive Director
Phone: 316-686-4741
E-mail: jpress@mkjf.org
Kentucky
Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass
1050 Chinoe Rd., Ste. 203
Lexington, KY 40502
Web site: http://www.jewishlexington.org
Contact Person: Judy Wortman, Executive Director
Phone: 859-268-0672 ext.1
E-mail: jfb@jewishlexington.org
Jewish Community of Louisville
3630 Dutchmans Lane
Louisville, KY 40205-3524
Web site: http://www.jewishlouisville.org
Contact Person: Sara Wagner, Senior Vice President/Campaign Director, COO
Phone: 502-451-8840
E-mail: swagner@jewishlouisville.org
Louisiana
North Louisiana Jewish Federation
245-A Southfield Road
Shreveport, LA 71105
Web site: http://www.jewishnla.org/
Contact Person: Susan Gross, Executive Director
Phone: 318-868-1200
E-mail: sgross@JewishNLA.org
Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans
3747 West Esplanade Avenue
P.O. Box 6050
Metairie, LA 70009-6050
Web site: http://www.jewishnola.com
Contact Person: Jody Braunig, CRC Planning Allocation Director
Phone: 504-780-5688
E-mail: jody@jewishnola.com
Maryland
Center for Jewish Education
Community Fund for Israel Experiences
5708 Park Heights Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21215
Web site: www.cjebaltimore.org
Contact Person: Reena Roshgadol, CFIE Coordinator
Phone: 410-735-5032
E-mail: rroshgadol@cjebaltimore.org; CFIE@cjebaltimore.org
Massachusetts
Jewish Federation of Greater New Bedford
467 Hawthorn St.
North Dartmouth, MA 02747
Web site: http://www.jewishnewbedford.org/
Contact Person: Olga Yorish, Executive Director
Phone: 508-997-7471
E-mail: oyorish@jewishnewbedford.org
Jewish Federation of Central Massachusetts
633 Salisbury St.
Worcester, MA 01609
Web site: http://www.jewishcentralmass.org
Contact Person: Howard Borer, Executive Director
Phone: 508-756-1543, ext. 29
E-mail: hborer@jfcm.org
Jewish Federation of the Berkshires, Inc.
196 South Street
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Web site: http://www.jewishberkshires.org/
Contact Person: Arlene D. Schiff, Executive Director
Phone: 413-442-4360 ext. 12
E-mail: Arlene.schiff@verizon.net
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.
Merrimack Valley Jewish Federation
Contact: Laurie Mindlin
Phone: 978-688-0466
The Merrimack Valley Jewish Federation offers grants of $250 to local teens traveling to Israel on an approved summer program. The Federation also administers a Gift of Israel incentive savings program
Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts
1160 Dickinson Street
Springfield, MA 01108
Web site: http://www.jewishwesternmass.org/
Contact Person: Meredith Dragon, Executive Director
Phone: (413) 737-4313, ext 139
E-mail: mdragon@jewishwesternmass.org
Jewish Federation of North Shore
Contact: Rachel Jacobson
Phone: 978 564 0729
The Jewish Federation of North Shore offers financial assistance to Jewish teenagers traveling to Israel. Programs must be a minimum for four weeks in length to qualify
Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Greater Boston, Inc.
126 High St.
Boston, MA 02110-2700
Web site: http://www.cjp.org
Contact Person: Will Cordin, Senior Israel Programs Associate
Phone: 617-457-8556
E-mail: willc@cjp.org
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.
Michigan
Flint Jewish Federation
619 Wallenberg Street
Flint, MI 48502
Contact Person: N/A
Phone: 810-767-5922
E-mail: fjf@tm.net
Jewish Federation of Washtenaw County
2939 Birch Hollow Drive
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Web site: http://www.jewishannarbor.org
Contact Person: Eileen Freed, Director of Israel/Overseas and Community Relations
Phone: 734-677-0100
E-mail: eileenfreed@jewishannarbor.org
Jewish Federation of Grand Rapids
4127 Embassy Drive SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546-2418
Web site: http://www.jewishgrandrapids.org
Contact Person: Jennifer Waltz, Interim Co-Executive Director
Phone: 616-942-5553
E-mail: jennifer@jfgr.org
Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit
6735 Telegraph Rd.
P.O. Box 2030
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301
Contact Person: Karen Kaplan, Israel Programs Scholarship Source
Phone: 248-203-1453, main line -248-642-4260
website: http://www.jfmd.org
E-mail: kaplan@jfmd.org
Minnesota
Minneapolis Jewish Federation:
Sabes Jewish Community Center
Israel Programs Center 4330 S. Cedar Lake Road
Minneapolis, MN 55416
Web site: http://www.sabesjcc.org
Contact Person: Eilat Harel, Louis Herman Israel Experience Fund Coordinator
Phone: 952-417-2321
E-mail: eharel@sabesjcc.org
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.
Adath Jeshurun Congregation
10500 Hillside Avenue
Minnetonka, MN 55305
Contact person:Chris Yarger, Exec. Assistant/Office Mgr.
Web site: http://www.adathjeshurun.org/#Adath
Phone: 952.215.3901
E-mail: office@adath.net or chrisy@adath.net
United Jewish Fund and Council
Jewish Federation of Greater St. Paul
790 South Cleveland Ave. Ste. 227
St. Paul, MN 55116-1958
Web site: http://www.jewishminnesota.org
Contact Person: Sharon Tesses, Scholarships
Phone: (651) 690-1707
E-mail: stesses@ujfc.org
Missouri
Jewish Federation of St. Louis
12 Millstone Campus Dr.
St. Louis, MO 63146-5776
Web site: http://www.jewishinstlouis.org
Contact Person: Karen Rader, Teen Program Director
Phone: 314-442-3756
E-mail: krader@cajestl.org
North Carolina
Greensboro Jewish Federation
Guildford Corporate Park
5509-C West Friendly Avenue
Greensboro, NC 27410-4211
Web site: http://www.shalomgreensboro.org
Contact Person: Rachel Wolf
Phone: 336-852-5433 x229
E-mail: rwolf@shalomgreensboro.org
Greensboro has scholarships available through the Israel Experience Grant Program. They offer scholarships to community members ages 16-23 for a first time, peer community trip in high school or college. They 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 above.
Nebraska
Center for Jewish Education
Jewish Federation of Omaha
333 S 132nd Street
Omaha, NE 68154
Web site: http://www.jewishomaha.org/
Contact Person: Mary Sue Grossman, Administrator
Phone: 402-334-6445
E-mail: mgrossman@jewishomaha.org
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.
Nevada
Jewish Federation of Las Vegas
2317 Renaissance Drive
Las Vegas, NV 89119
Web site: http://www.jewishlasvegas.com
Contact Person: Margerie Griebel, Chief Financial Officer
Phone: 702-732-0556, ext. 208
E-mail: mergerie@jewishlasvegas.com
New Hampshire
Jewish Federation of New Hampshire
698 Beech St.
Manchester, NH 3104
Web site: http://www.jewishnh.org
Contact Person: Debra Johnson, Finance
Phone: 603-627-7679
E-mail: accounting@jewishnh.org
New Jersey
Jewish Federation of Ocean County
301 Madison Avenue
Lakewood, NJ 08701
Contact Person: Danny Goldberg, Executive Director
Phone: 732-363-0530
E-mail: federation@ocjf.org
Jewish Federation of Central New Jersey
1391 Martine Avenue
Scotch Plains, NJ 07076
Web site: www.jfedcnj.org
Contact Person: Linda Poleyeff, Director of Jewish Education
Phone:908-288-2415
E-mail: lpoleyeff@jfedcnj.org
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.
The United Jewish Communities of MetroWest New Jersey
901 Rt 10 E
Whippany, NJ 07981-1156
Web site: www.jewishmetrowestnj.org
Contact Person: Alan Gerberg, Director of Special Projects
Phone: (973) 929-3038
E-mail: agerberg@ujcnj.org
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.
Jewish Federation of Greater Monmouth County
100 U.S. Highway 9, Suite 7
Galleria Mall
Manalapan, NJ 07726
Web site: www.jewishmonmouth.org
Contact person: Jill Briggles, Executive Assistant, Community Relations Committee
Phone: 732.866.4300
E-mail: jbriggles@jewishmonmouth.org
The Jewish Federation of Greater Monmouth County offers a travel stipend of $500 per high school student through the Continuity Commission.
UJA Federation of Northern New Jersey
111 Kinderkamack Road
River Edge, NJ 07661
Web site: www.ujannj.org
Contact Person: Stuart Levy, Shaliach & IPC Director
Phone: 201-820-3909
E-mail: StuartL@ujannj.org
Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey
1301 Springdale Road Ste 200
Cherry Hill, NJ 08003-2769
Web site: http://www.jewishsouthjersey.org/
Contact Person: Penina Hoffnung, Director of Department of Jewish Education and Continuity
Phone: (856) 673-2508
E-mail: phoffnung@jfedsnj.org
United Jewish Federation of Princeton Mercer-Bucks
4 Princess Rd. Ste. 206
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648-2322
Web site: http://www.ujfpmb.org
Contact Person: Andrew Frank, Executive Director
Phone: 609-219-0555
E-mail: afrank@ujfpmb.org
Jewish Federation of Cumberland County
1063 E Landis Ave Ste B
Vineland, NJ 08360-3785
Web site: http://www.jfedcc.org
Contact Person: Steven Schimmel, Executive Director
Phone: 856-696-4445
E-mail: ed@juewishcumberland.org
Jewish Federation of Greater Middlesex County
230 Old Bridge Turnpike
South River, NJ 08882
Website: http://jewishmiddlesex.org/
Contact Person: Laura Safran, Director of Planning & Allocations
Phone: (732) 588-1804
E-mail: lsafran@jf-gmc.org
New Mexico
Jewish Federation of New Mexico
Contact: Sam Sokolove
Phone: 505-821-3214
The Jewish Federation of New Mexico offers $100 per year to local Jewish teens who are members of nationally recognized Jewish youth groups to attend a program sponsored by that group.
New York
UJA of Westchester
701 Westchester Avenue
Suite 203E
White Plains, NY 10604
Phone: 1.800.64.ISRAEL (800-644-7723)
E-mail: israelctr@ujasedny.org
Israel Experience Center
UJA of New York
130 East 59th Street
New York, NY 10022-1302
Web site: http://www.ujafedny.org
Phone: 1.800.64.ISRAEL (800-644-7723)
E-mail: israelctr@ujasedny.org
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.
United Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York
800 New Loudon Road
Latham, NY 12110
Web site: www.jewishfedny.org
Contact Person: Deborah Chapman Goldstein, Director of Planned Giving and Endowments
Phone: 518-783-7800 x230
E-mail: dgoldstein@jewishfedny.org
Israel Scholarship Committee for the Foundation For Jewish Philanthropies
Buffalo, NY
Contact: Rita Goldman
Phone: 877-933-6369
The Israel Scholarship Committee of the Foundation for Jewish Philanthropies administers a limited amount of financial assistance for high school and college students to travel and study in Israel. Students participating in approved programs will be eligible for assistance for the upcoming summer based upon financial need. Grants are restricted to Jewish individuals who reside in the Western New York area.
Jewish Community Federation of Greater Rochester
441 East Avenue
Rochester, NY 14607
Web site: http://www.jewishrochester.org
Contact Person: Josh Boress, Coordinator of Teen Education and Israel Trips
Phone: 585-461-0490 x249
E-mail: jboress@jewishrochester.org
The Jewish Education Project
Contact Person: Deborah Friedman, Executive Vice President
Phone: (631) 462-8600 or 646-472-5335
E-mail: dfriedman@TheJewishEducationProject.org
Administered by the Federation as well as synagogues and schools and available to those who participate in their program.
Jewish Federation of Central New York
5655 Thompson Road
Dewitt, NY 13214-1234
Contact Person: Rich Friedman, President/CEO
Phone:(315) 445-0161 ext. 105
E-mail: rfriedman@jewishfederationcny.org
The Jewish Federation of Central New York 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.
Ohio
Jewish Community Board of Akron
750 White Pond Dr.
Akron, OH 44320-1128
Web site: http://www.jewishakron.org
Contact Person: Leah Levenstein
Phone: 330-835-0077
E-mail: esther_hexter@jewishakron.org
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.
United Jewish Council of Greater Toledo
6465 Sylvania Ave.
Sylvania, OH 43560
Web site: www.jewishtoledo.org
Contact Person: Arleen Levine
Phone: 419-724-0355
E-mail: arleen@jewishtoledo.org
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.
Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati
Jewish Federation of Cincinnati
4050 Executive Park Drive, Suite 300
Cincinnati, OH 45241
Web site: http://www.jewishcincinnati.org/
Contact Person: Barbara Miller, Director of Planning and Allocations
Phone: (513) 985-1528
E-mail: bmiller@jfedcin.org
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.
Jewish Education Center of Cleveland
2030 South Taylor Rd
Cleveland, OH 44118
Web site: http://www.jecc.org
Contact Person: Helen Wolf, Israel Programs Director
Phone: 216-371-0446
E-mail: hwolf@jecc.org
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.
The Columbus Jewish Federation
1175 College Avenue
Columbus, OH 43209
Contact Person: Nancy Rosen, Coordinator of Informal Jewish Education
Phone: (614) 559-3250
Website: www.jewishcolumbus.org, http://israelexperiencecolumbus.org/
E-mail: Marla Davis, mdavis@tcjf.org, 614-559-3250 OR nrosen@tcjf.org
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.
Oregon
Jewish Federation of Portland
6680 SW Capitol Highway
Portland, OR 97219-1914
Web site: http://www.jewishportland.org
Contact Person: Marc N. Blattner, CEO and President
Phone: 503.245.6482 ext.304
E-mail: marc@jewishportland.org
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.
Pennsylvania
Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia
Israel and Overseas Center
2100 Arch St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Web site: http://www.jewishphilly.org
Contact Person: Drew Martin
Phone: (215) 832-0530
E-mail:dmartin@jfpg.org
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.
The Agency for Jewish Learning
2740 Beechwood Boulevard
Pittsburgh, PA 15217
Web site: http://ajlpittsburgh.org/israel-programs.html
Contact Person: Amy Karp, Adult Education Administrator
Phone: 412-521-1101 x3204
E-mail: akarp@ajlpittsburgh.org
Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley
Conctact: Mark Goldstein at (610) 821-5500 for more information.
The Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley offers scholarships to local teens in grades 9-12 for approved trips to Israel and other Jewish educational summer programs
Rhode Island
Bureau of Jewish Education of Rhode Island
Jewish Federation of Rhode Island
130 Sessions St.
Providence, RI 02906-3497
Web site: http://www.bjeri.org
Contact Person: Larry Katz
Phone: 401.331.0956 x179
E-mail: lkatz@bjeri.org
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.
Tennessee
Memphis Jewish Federation
6560 Poplar Ave.
Germantown, TN 38138-3614
Contact Person: Bluma Zuckerbrot-Finkelstein, Planning, Community Relations, Israel and International Affairs
Phone: 901-767-7100
Website: http://www.memjfed.org/
E-mail: bzuckerbrot-finkelstein@memjfed.org
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.
The Jewish Federation of Nashville
801 Percy Warner Blvd.
Suite 102
Nashville, TN 37205-4009
Web site: http://www.jewishnashville.org
Contact Person: Steve Edelstein
Phone: 615-354-3242 x 260
E-mail:steve@jewishnashville.org
Hillel of Memphis at the Jewish Student Union
3581 Midland
Memphis, TN 38111-5926
Contact Person: Sherry Weinblatt, Director
Phone: 901-452-2453
Website: http://www.hillelmemphis.org
E-mail: jstudent@midsouth.rr.com
Only post high school and college students can apply to be awarded up to $3500 in scholarships in their lifetime.
Texas
Jewish Community Association of Austin
Contact: Dana Epstein
Phone: 512-795-9937×17
The Jewish Community Association of Austin offers scholarships of up to $1,500 to local teens traveling on an Israel program organized by a Jewish youth movement. The program must be at least 4 weeks in length, and a one-page essay is required as part of the application.
Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas
Jacob Feldman Building
7800 Northaven Road
Dallas, TX 75230-3266
Web site: http://www.jewishdallas.org/
Contact Person: Miranda Winer, Director of Youth & Israel Programs
Phone: 214-239-7168
E-mail: mwiner@jfgd.org
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.
Jewish Federation of Greater Houston
5603 S Braeswood Blvd.
Houston, TX 77096
Contact Person: Elaine Kellerman, V.P. of Education & Community Partnerships
Phone: 713-729-7000 x310
E-mail: ekellerman@houstonjewish.org
Administered by the Bureau of Jewish Education and available to all teens and college students. BJE also runs the Gift of Israel program.
Washington (state)
Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle
2031 Third Avenue
Seattle, WA 98121-2412
Web site: http://www.jewishinseattle.org
Contact Person: Rachel Schachter, Israel Programs Manager
Phone: 206-774-2236
E-mail: RachelS@JewishInSeattle.org
Washington, D.C.
Israel Experience Scholarships
Contact Person: Natacha Michel
Phone: 240-283-6211
E-mail: nmichel@pjll.org
The Partnership is proud to facilitate need-based scholarships for Jewish educational experiences in Israel. These scholarships are available for: current high school students who have completed at least 2 years of high school; college and post-graduate students in the Greater Washington area; scholarships are available for tuition costs only, not travel expenses and scholarship recipients must spend at least one month in Israel
Israel Quest (Partnership for Jewish and Learning)
Contact Person: Lia Siskin
Phone: 240-283-6200
E-mail: Isiskin@pjll.org
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.
Wisconsin
Milwaukee Jewish Federation
1360 N. Prospect Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53202-3094
Web site: http://www.milwaukeejewish.org
Contact Person: Caren B. Goldberg, Executive Director
Phone: (414) 390-5737
E-mail: careng@milwaukeejewish.org
Many Jewish Federations, synagogues, Jewish Community Centers, and other community organizations may provide scholarships for Israel programs. Should you require financial assistance, we encourage you to seek out and contact these funding sources as early as possible to meet any required deadlines. We also recommend networking through these scholarship sources; after speaking with them about their particular opportunities, ask their recommendations on other sources in your area.
CANADA
Montreal
The Bronfman Israel Experience Center
Contact: Dayna Schwartz
Phone: 514-345-6449 x 3052
The Bronfman Israel Experience Centre offers a limited amount of need-based financial assistance for travel on approved Israel programs.
Vancouver
Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver
200 – 950 West 41st Avenue
Vancouver BC V5Z 2N7″
Contact: Shelley Goldberg, Israel and Overseas Administrator
Phone: 604-257-5100
Email: sgoldberg@jewishvancouver.com
“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, and the maximum scholarship available is $2,500 per applicant.For application deadlines please visit the website. 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.
Many Jewish Federations, synagogues, Jewish Community Centers, and other community organizations may provide scholarships for Israel programs. Should you require financial assistance, we encourage you to seek out and contact these funding sources as early as possible to meet any required deadlines. We also recommend networking through these scholarship sources; after speaking with them about their particular opportunities, ask their recommendations on other sources in your area.
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