Jewish Scholarships Overview
As part of their commitment to helping others, many cultural and religious organizations offer scholarships to students in need. Jewish students especially have numerous possible sources of funding that can ease financial burdens and assist them in fulfilling educational aspirations.
Many scholarships for Jewish students are offered in memory of someone within the Jewish community. Other scholarships are open only to Jewish students within a particular geographical region. And some recognize a student’s potential to make a difference in the world through a career that serves others.
Tips When Applying to These Scholarships
Jewish scholarships contain specifications regarding who can apply. As you’d expect, being Jewish is typically the first consideration.
Many scholarships also want to see evidence of participation in activities within the Jewish community. Some require recommendation from a rabbi or other Jewish leader.
When applying, be certain to submit all materials requested. A complete, thoughtful application that is neat, grammatically correct, free from spelling errors and typos, and turned in on time will make a good impression.
8 Scholarships Specifically for Jewish Students
Here are some scholarships available to Jewish students:
1. Temple University's Feinstein Center for American Jewish History's Summer Research Fellowship
The Feinstein Center at Temple University announces its annual summer fellowship to support research in the American Jewish experience. Predoctoral and postdoctoral scholars studying any area of American Jewish life are eligible for the grant of up to $4,000.
2. Aleksander and Alicja Hertz Memorial Fellowship
The Aleksander and Alicja Hertz Memorial Fellowship support doctoral or post-doctoral research on Polish-Jewish history in the modern period, particularly Jewish-Polish relations, including the Holocaust period, and Jewish contributions to Polish literature and culture. This fellowship carries a stipend for a period of three months of research at the YIVO Library and Archives, as well as a public lecture by the holder. Applicants must submit a 2-5 page summary of their research plan, specifying those YIVO resources that they intend to utilize. Two academic references are required. For more information, kindly visit the scholarship's website..
3. Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago Academic Scholarship Program
JVC Chicago provides scholarships to Jewish undergraduates and graduates pursuing careers in education, medicine, law, social service, and other helping professions. Applicants need to be from the Chicago metropolitan area and plan on remaining in the area after completing school. Decisions are based on financial need and career promise.
4. Rose Biller Scholarship Program
The philanthropic UJA Federation of New York offers this scholarship opportunity to Jewish residents of New York City and the surrounding area. Applicants must attend school in the New York metro region, be at least in their sophomore year of college, and demonstrate financial need.
5. Dallas Jewish Community Foundation College Scholarship Program
Numerous endowments support the more than 60 different types of scholarships awarded by this organization. Each scholarship has its own criteria and may cover anything from technical training to doctoral studies. Applicants fill out one central form, and questions on there determine the scholarships for which an individual is eligible.
6. Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America National Youth Achievement Program
High school seniors who are direct descendants of a member of the Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America can apply for the three different types of scholarships offered by this organization. Grade point average, standardized test scores, and extracurricular activities are all factors in determining scholarship winners.
7. The Lentin Scholarship Fund
High school seniors in the St. Louis metro area are eligible to apply for these scholarships administered by the Jewish Federation of St. Louis. Candidates must demonstrate need, and the sponsor gives preference to those who will be the first in their family to attend college.
8. The Brandenburg Education Scholarship
One of several scholarships offered by the Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund, this particular award is for Jewish students from the San Francisco Bay area who have been accepted to or are already enrolled at a four-year college. Applicants should show dedication to a specific field of study, demonstrate academic merit, and possess financial need.
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