Scholarships and Resources for Jewish Students
Looking for resources as a Jewish college student? Here’s your guide. We’ve compiled information about advocacy groups, scholarships, and other support offerings designed to help Jewish students thrive during college.
When it comes to college, students need a hand once in a while. It could be something as big as an academic scholarship or as small as an introduction to the right mentor. Resources and scholarships can make a huge difference, and the great news is, they are available to students of all genders, races, and nationalities. Yet for this guide, we’re focusing on Jewish students. It’s important to make sure that all communities have equal access to numerous types of college aid to maximize both diversity and representation. Here are over 25 scholarships and resources for postsecondary students who identify as Jewish.
Scholarships & Grants for Jewish Students
Scholarship opportunities for Jewish students tend to reflect the values of service to others, community and leadership, and academic excellence that are so central to the Jewish faith and culture. Local chapters of national organizations, such as the National Council of Jewish Women, may sponsor scholarships in addition to those specifically listed below.
General Scholarships & Grants
Organization
Dallas Jewish Community Foundation and Southwest Community Foundation
Amount
$500 – $5,400
Deadline
2/1/2020 (annual)
Eligibility
DJCF and SCF have over 50 college scholarships each year based on financial need, academic excellence, activities, and service for high school seniors through graduate students. Specific scholarships may have Dallas, Denton, or Collin county residency requirements.
How to Apply
All scholarship opportunities through DJCF and SCF use a single application form. School transcripts, FAFSA or TAFSA forms, and standardized test scores such as SAT, ACT, or LSAT must be included.
Organization
The Diller Family Foundation
Amount
$36,000
Deadline
1/8/2020 (annual award)
Eligibility
These highly selective awards given to volunteers in a leadership role of a project “aimed at repairing the world.” Applicants must be between 13 and 19 years old and self-identify as Jewish.
How to Apply
Interested teens may submit an online application. Alternatively, teens may be nominated by an adult or peer.
Organization
Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven
Amount
$1,500 average, additional scholarship opportunities available through Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven
Deadline
5/15/2020
Eligibility
Jewish high school senior with at least a B average living in Greater New Haven, Connecticut.
How to Apply
Complete an online application that includes an essay, three character references, high school transcript, and college acceptance.
Organization
Hillel International
Amount
$4,000
Deadline
3/15/2021
Eligibility
Graduating high school senior with record of leadership and/or volunteer service. Must self-identify as Jewish, have a minimum GPA of 2.5, and plan to attend accredited four-year college or university.
How to Apply
Complete online application and provide two letters of recommendation. Optional essays are strongly recommended.
Organization
Hillel International
Amount
$4,000
Deadline
3/15/2021
Eligibility
Applicants must be full-time students at an accredited four-year college or university with demonstrated leadership ability. Must self-identify as Jewish and have a minimum GPA of 2.5.
How to Apply
Complete online application and provide two letters of recommendation. Optional essays are strongly recommended.
Organization
JCC Association of North America
Amount
up to $5,000 per semester, up to $20,000 total
Deadline
5/1/2020 (Fall & Spring), 10/1/2020 (Spring Only)
Eligibility
Full or part time graduate students working full time for the JCC may apply for any graduate program. Alternatively, they can pursue one of the dedicated JCC partner programs including nonprofit management and education.
How to Apply
Online application includes an essay, personal recommendation, and an outline of the funding or program request.
Organization
Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America
Amount
$1,000-$1,250
Deadline
5/22/2020
Eligibility
Applicant must be a direct descendent of a member in good standing of Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America. Applicants must be high school seniors accepted to an accredited college, university, community college, or hospital school of nursing. Minimum 735 SAT average or 31 ACT. Minimum 3.7 GPA
How to Apply
Complete and submit application packet to JWV Headquarters that includes verification of JWV connection, college acceptance letter, resume, high school transcript, and SAT/ACT scores.
Organization
Jewish Social Service Agency
Amount
$1,500-$4,000
Deadline
4/24/2020
Eligibility
Scholarship is open to Jewish residents of metro Washington, D.C. accepted into a four-year undergraduate program. Additional scholarship opportunities and loan programs are offered by JSSA.
How to Apply
Complete an online application. Include high school or college transcripts, SAT/ACT scores, resume including extracurricular and summer activities, college or graduate school acceptance, financial aid award information, and copy of FAFSA.
Organization
The Morris J. & Betty Kaplun Foundation
Amount
$500-$1,800
Deadline
3/2021 (annual award)
Eligibility
Students in grades 10-12 are eligible to participate.
How to Apply
Submit application and 250-1,500 essay on assigned topic. Contest encourages students to think about Jewish heritage, values, and contribution to civilization and culture.
Organization
Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund of San Francisco, The Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties
Amount
$10,000
Deadline
3/30/2020 (annual)
Eligibility
San Francisco area Jewish high school seniors planning to attend a selective four-year college of university demonstrating academic excellence, financial need, and involvement in the Jewish community. Additional scholarship opportunities are available through the JCF.
How to Apply
Online application includes high school or college transcripts, two letters of recommendation, an essay, financial aid award information, and tax return and FAFSA forms.
Scholarships & Grants in Public Service
Organization
American Criminal Justice Association
Amount
$100-$400
Deadline
12/31/2020
Eligibility
Members of ACJA/LAE can apply. Education requirements vary based on academic level. Applicants must be currently enrolled in a criminal justice program with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
How to Apply
Applications must be completed and mailed to the Scholarship Committee Chair. Applications must include transcripts and a personal statement.
Organization
Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago
Amount
up to $8,000/year
Deadline
2/1/ 2020 (annual)
Eligibility
Chicago area Jewish college (rising juniors and seniors only) and graduate students pursuing careers in helping professions including but not limited to education, healthcare, public health, social service, and public policy. Must demonstrate financial need.
How to Apply
The online application asks for 2 letters of reference.
Organization
Jewish Foundation for Education of Women & Hunter College
Amount
Needs-based tuition assistance
Deadline
4/1/2020 (annually)
Eligibility
Sophomores enrolled in Hunter College who can demonstrate commitment to enhancing the status and role of women in public service and public policy are eligible. Students must demonstrate financial need.
How to Apply
Online application includes a 250-word essay, transcripts, resume, and FAFSA form.
Organization
National Council of Jewish Women, Los Angeles
Amount
$2,000
Deadline
5/1/2020
Eligibility
Applicants must live in the Greater Los Angeles area and be enrolled (or accepted into) a degree program in nursing.
How to Apply
Online applications must include a personal statement, transcripts, resume, two letters of recommendation, verification of enrollment, and financial information.
Organization
Minority Corporate Counsel Association
Amount
$10,000
Deadline
6/17/2020
Eligibility
Applicants must have an interest in corporate law practice that focuses on diversity, inclusion, and equity. Acceptance to full-time, Juris Doctorate program at an ABA-accredited law school in the United States is required.
How to Apply
Applications must be uploaded to the MCCA site. Include official transcripts and personal recommendations along with demonstration of financial need and community engagement.
Organization
National Institutes of Health
Amount
up to $20,000/year and $80,000 total
Deadline
1/2021 (annual)
Eligibility
Enrolled students at four-year accredited colleges and universities with 3.3 or higher GPA are eligible. Applicants must demonstrate exceptional financial need and commitment to careers in biomedical, behavioral, and social science health-related research.
How to Apply
The NIH application requires transcripts that show relevant coursework, a personal statement, a resume, and three letters of recommendation.
Organization
National Council of Jewish Women, Los Angeles
Amount
$2,000
Deadline
5/1/2020
Eligibility
Applicants must be enrolled at a University of California or California State University in Greater Los Angeles, or at the University of Nevada Las Vegas. Additionally, applicants must be K-12 educators
How to Apply
Online applications must include a personal statement, transcripts, resume, two letters of recommendation, verification of enrollment, and financial information.
Organization
National Council of Jewish Women, Los Angeles
Amount
$2,000
Deadline
5/1/2020
Eligibility
Applicants must be enrolled at a University of California or California State University in Greater Los Angeles, or at the University of Nevada Las Vegas. Additionally, applicants must be K-12 educators
How to Apply
Online applications must include a personal statement, transcripts, resume, two letters of recommendation, verification of enrollment, and financial information.
Organization
John Jay College, City University of New York, with support from Jewish Foundation for the Education of Women and the Robin Hood Foundation
Amount
$1,650 tuition assistance and $500 textbook assistance per year
Deadline
Annual
Eligibility
Applicants must be New York City residents and enrolled in public services majors including criminal justice, fire science, law and society, and security management.
How to Apply
Enrolled students must attend an ACE information session in order to apply.
Organization
Society for Public Health Education
Amount
$2,500
Deadline
2/16/2024
Eligibility
Students must have completed at least one-third of the coursework for a health education degree. Full-time undergraduate and graduate students who are members of SOPHE and have demonstrated need are eligible.
How to Apply
Complete an online application and provide additional application materials by PDF. These include transcripts, a declaration of commitment to pursuing a degree in health education, resume, and a written statement in addition to documented financial need.
Student and Career Resources for Jewish Students
Jewish students will find resources to help them at every stage of their higher education. Jewish campus organizations offer scholarship and grant resources in addition to social and networking opportunities. Career and advocacy groups provide Jewish students with volunteer and community service programs, pathways to employment, and professional development and support.
Financial Aid
Federal Student AidA great place to start when you are considering your options for paying for college is the government’s federal student aid site. It lays out all your financial aid options and the differences between them. It is also where you can find the FAFSA form that will be required by schools, as well as certain grants and scholarships.
Jewish Free LoansLocal chapters of the Jewish Free Loan society offer interest-free student loans. Loans are available for vocational training, undergraduate, and graduate education. Requirements may vary by chapter.
Jewish ScholarshipsHillel International’s Jewish Scholarships Portal has links to thousands of Jewish scholarship programs.
Public Service Loan ForgivenessWorking in public service can make you eligible for federal student loan forgiveness. To qualify, you must work for a government or non-profit organization, a 501(c)3. AmeriCorps and Peace Corps volunteers are eligible as well. Just be aware that not all FFEL and Perkins loans qualify for forgiveness. Private loans also do not qualify for forgiveness.
U.S. Department of Labor Scholarship FinderScholarship Finder allows you to search through over 8,000 scholarships using keywords and filters. Scholarships, fellowships, grants, and other financial aid awards are included. Some scholarships are specifically targeted to students’ interests or fields of study, including scholarships for public service degrees.
Professional Development and Networking
Alpha Epsilon PhiAEPhi is a national Jewish sorority committed to community service and philanthropy. AEPhi awards scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students. These include the Ruth Bader Ginsburg Scholarship for second year law students and the Dana Parkans Katz Scholarship for education or math majors. AEPhi also offers networking and volunteer opportunities.
Alpha Epsilon PiAEPi is a largest Jewish fraternity with chapters on over 175 campuses. As a social organization, AEPi espouses the values of brotherhood, social awareness, Tzedakah, and support for Jewish communities including Israel. AEPi also provides scholarships and networking opportunities to members.
Chabad on CampusChabad Houses offer weekly Shabbat dinners as well as trips and programs for Jewish students. Described as a “family on campus,” Chabad Houses can ease the transition to college for Jewish students. Chabad Houses can be found on campuses across the country.
Hillel InternationalHillel is the largest and most well-known campus organization for Jewish students with a presence on more than 550 campuses. Hillel’s strong commitment to social justice connects Jewish students with opportunities for service. Programs like Alternative Spring Break truly give Jewish students the chance to change the world through service and social justice projects in 40 countries.
Jewish Graduate Student NetworkThe Grad Network is based in Philadelphia and supports and connects student-led campus groups including the Drexel University Jewish Law Student Association, Temple University Medical Jewish Student Union, and Penn Nursing Jewish Student Association.
Advocacy Groups
JCC Association of North AmericaJCC, or Jewish Community Centers, support all aspects of Jewish community life. JCCs employ 25,000 professionals in their centers and camps serving two million people around the country.
Jewish Center for JusticeJCJ is a social justice, education, and leadership organization. JCJ activists advocate for a variety of social justice issues including economic justice, the environment, LGBTQ rights, and women’s rights. Campus-based college cohorts offer college activists with support and networking opportunities.
Jewish Labor CommitteeKnown as the Jewish voice in the labor movement and the voice of the labor movement in the Jewish community, JLC is a national advocacy organization with local impact. They work on behalf of public service workers like those in health care and education.
JPRO NetworkJPro Network supports Jewish professionals in their career growth and professional development. Its mission is to “connect, educate, inspire and empower” with professional development and networking resources.
MeorFound on prominent college campuses throughout the United States, Meor is a Jewish mentorship and engagement organization. It promotes Jewish leadership, identity, and values. It continues to support graduates as they grow into young professionals.
Public Service Education
Equal Justice WorksMost law schools host a campus group for Equal Justice Works, an organization supporting public interest lawyers and law students. They have resources on how to manage student debt, finding public interest fellowships, community service projects, and career and networking opportunities.
International Association of Fire FightersIAFF is a labor union representing over 320,00 firefighters and paramedics. They offer training and support resources to their members.
National Conference of Shomrim SocietiesShomrim Societies connect and support Jewish men and women in public service. Local Shomrim Society chapters sponsor scholarships and provide resources and support for Jewish law enforcement officers and others on the front lines of public service.
Network of Jewish Human Service AgenciesWith more than 140 member organizations, NJHSA is a leading voice in Jewish human service sector. They support Jewish human service agencies through advocacy and innovation, supporting best practices and facilitating collaborations that improve communities.
NEA’s Aspiring EducatorsWith groups on 1,100 campuses across the country, the National Education Association’s Aspiring Educators program supports students interested in teaching. In addition to grants, scholarships, and awards, the Aspiring Educators program offers resources for student teachers and micro-credentials in over 120 areas.