By Andrea Erins
HOUSTON, Texas — While there are not many Jewish scholarships available through government programs due to issues with the separation of Church and State, there are a number of scholarships available through private organizations. In addition to the national scholarships listed here, there are a number of scholarships through individual colleges and universities.
Alisa Flatow Memorial Scholarship – Open to any high school graduate. This scholarship offers recipients a full year studying Judaica and Jewish religious texts in Israel at recognized Israeli institutions. Awards are based on academic merit, community service, and financial need.
American Jewish League for Israel (AJLI) Scholarship Fund – Open to U.S. college students who are prepared to spend an academic year at one of the major universities in Israel. Awards are based on academic merit, regardless of financial need. Recipients must also be accepted at one of the participating Israeli institutions.
Federation Executive Recruitment & Education Program (FEREP) Graduate Scholarship Program – Open to full-time graduate students who attend an accredited institution in the U.S. or Canada and are pursuing a degree in social work, public administration, or non-profit management along with graduate-level Jewish studies. Applicants must also retain at least a 3.0 GPA. The program awards up to $40,000 for graduate study in return for two years’ paid work in a North American Jewish federation after grad school.
Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS) Scholarship Program – Open to individuals who have immigrated to the U.S. after January 1, 1992. Awards are based on academic merit, community involvement, and financial need and can range up to $4,000.
Jewish Community Center (JCC) North American Graduate Scholarship – Open to individuals committed to a career in the JCC movement. Recipients can receive up to $10,000 per year to pursue a one- or two-year graduate program that leads to a career with JCC. They must also participate in JCC Association seminars on career development and educational experiences.
Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America – Open to high school seniors who are direct descendants of association members. There are three grants available between $500 and $1000. Recipients must be accepted by an accredited college or university, be in the upper 25% of their high school class, participate in extracurricular activities, and be involved in the Jewish Community.
Morris J. and Betty Kaplun Foundation Essay Contest – Open to junior high and high school students. Essay topics vary each year and are different for younger and older students. Awards are $1,800 for first prize and $750 to five finalists.
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Andrea Erins has been a college educator for 13 years and writes about many topics related to education. She is the owner of the site Masters in Education.