Scholarship Info
Need help covering BBYO Passport program fees? Check out our special promotions, discounts, and scholarship advice. Read on below for all the details.
Promotions & Discounts (All Trips)
- Calling all Passport alumni! Want to spend another summer traveling the world with Passport? Join us again this coming season and automatically qualify for a $250 discount.
- Have you taken part in BBYO’s March of the Living program in the past? All BBYO alumni of the March automatically qualify for a $250 discount.
BBYO Scholarships (For BBYO Members)
- For those teens taking part in ILSI, financial assistance for is being made available through the Charlotte and Jack J. Spitzer Fellowship. This fund was established to assist young people attend ILSI where finances are a restricting factor. Download the ILSI Spitzer Fellowship Application. It is due to the International Office by February 26, 2010
- If you are a BBYO member, a limited number of needs-based scholarships are available for summer programs. Download the scholarship request form, and be sure to submit it by March 1st if you wish to apply.
Scholarships & Grants (Israel Trips)
Fortunately there are tons of special scholarship funds throughout North America that are focused on getting as many Jewish teens as possible to Israel this summer. Translation: money for you! To help you get started, we have compiled some tips and suggestions for obtaining valuable scholarships.
- Search the Internet! A quick internet search will reveal numerous Jewish organizations that offer money to Jewish teens traveling to Israel. Send them an e-mail and see if you qualify.
- Contact your local Synagogue. Often, synagogues have set aside funds specifically designated for sending local teens to Israel. Call your synagogue's office to learn if they offer this type of scholarship.
- Contact your local Jewish Federation office. Most community Federations offer scholarships to local high school students who plan to travel to Israel. The Passport to Israel program meets the criteria to qualify for most of these scholarships. We have included a list of specific Federations below that offer such scholarships. If you do not find your local Federation in the list below, check out the National Federation Directory.
We have listed a number of specific scholarship opportunities below. Remember, this is not a complete list. If you do not see anything listed in your community, check out the National Federation Directory to see what is available in your region. Note: Please let us know if any of our information below needs to be updated.
Akron, Ohio
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 Greta Foster at 330-869-2424 for more information. There is also a generous private scholarship fund in the Akron community specifically directed towards BBYO programs; for more information contact Tamar Sternfeld at 330-835-0052.
Albany, New York
All Israel scholarships available from Northeastern New York are need-based. 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 at (518) 783-7800 ext. 230 for more information.
Allentown, Pennsylvania
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 (All BBYO Passport trips are approved). The application will be made available at www.jflv.org in December and will be due in March. Contact Mark Goldstein at (610) 821-5500 for more information.
Ann Arbor, Michigan
The Susan L. Lichter Memorial Endowed Israel Scholarship Fund at the Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor provides two merit-based $2,500 grants to teens to travel to Israel on a qualified Israel program of a minimum length of four weeks. Application requires an essay and is due by February 1. Recipients will be required to write a second essay about their experiences post-trip. Contact Eileen Freed at (734) 677-0100 for more information.
Additional grant funds are available to congregants of Beth Israel Synagogue in Ann Arbor. Please contact the synagogue office for more information.
Atlanta, Georgia
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.
Need-based: Additional financial assistance is available for those with demonstrated family need to participate in an approved program.
Contact Ebony Robin at (404) 870-1615 for more information.
Austin, Texas
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. For more information, contact Dana Epstein at (512) 795-9937 ext. 17.
Baltimore, Maryland
The Center for Jewish Education's Community Fund for Israel Experiences provides stipends, scholarships and loans of various amounts to local Jewish teenagers. Applications are reviewed on a first-come first-served basis. Visit http://www.cjebaltimore.org/articlenav.php?id=163 or contact the CFI office at (410) 735-5016 for more information.
Berkshires (Pittsfield), Massachusetts
The Jewish Federation of the Berkshires has $1000 grants available to teens of Berkshire County traveling to Israel. Contact Arlene Schiff at (413) 442-4360 ext. 12 for more information and an application.
Birmingham, Alabama
The 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 Sally Friedman at (205) 803-1519 for more information.
Boca Raton (South Palm Beach County), Florida
The Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach administers the Israel Grant Program providing merit-based grants of $200-$750 depending on cost and length of the trip. Contact Elise Dolgow at (561) 852-6000 for more information.
Boston, Massachusetts
The Combined Jewish Philanthropies awards grants of $500 on a first-come/first-served basis to Boston-area teens traveling to Israel fo a minimum of four weeks on qualified programs. Additional assistance is available for teens with demonstrated family financial need, the application for which requires financial details and confirmation of request for financial aid from program provider and is due by April 15. Visit http://www.cjp.org/page.aspx?id=104594 or contact Will Corrdin with your questions at (617) 457-8556.
Broward County, Florida
Information on need-based financial assistance is administered through the Orloff Central Agency for Jewish Education (CAJE) Israel Experience Center. Contact the Israel Experience Center at (954) 660-2070 for more information.
Buffalo, New York
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. Contact Rita Goldman at (877) 933-6369 for more information.
Chicago, Illinois
Need-based: The Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago and the Jewish United Fund offer grants of $500-$2500 to teens who have demonstrated family financial need. Application requires written statement and financial documents and and is due by March 1.
Merit-based: The Federation and JUF also offer grants of $1000 to teens who demonstrate leadership abilities. Application requires school transcripts, three letters of recommendation, an essay and an interview and are due by March 1.
For both types of scholarships, applicants must be coming out of 10th-12th grades, live in the Chicago metro area, and be committed to participating in communal Jewish activities post-trip.
In addition, certificates worth $100 are awarded to teens who raise at least $100 at the JUF's annual Walk for Israel. Vouchers from several years can be combined. Teens must be at least 15 to redeem certificates.
Call Mandy Weiss at (312) 444-2895 for more information.
Cincinnati, Ohio
The Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati offers local Jewish high school students who are at least 16 years of age up to $5000 for travel to Israel on a minimum three-week organized educational peer trip. Recipients must agree to participate in certain surveys and community "give-back" activities. Applications for Summer 2010 will be accepted from December 1 2009-February 15, 2010. Visit http://www.shalomcincy.org/page.aspx?ID=110022 or contact Barbara Miller at (513) 985-1528 for more information.
Cleveland, Ohio
The Jewish Education Center of Cleveland offers financial aid to local teenagers who travel to Israel on a JECC approved program and have demonstrated financial need. Application requires financial documents and a possible interview, and is due by March 31. Contact Helen Wolf at (216) 371-0446 for further information.
Columbus, Ohio
The Columbus Jewish Federation provides grants of $1500 (for three-week Israel programs) and $2000 (for four weeks or longer) to Columbus-area teens aged 14-18. The Federation also provides additional need-based scholarships. Visit http://israelexperiencecolumbus.org/page.aspx?id=201162 or contact Nancy Rosen at (614) 559-3250 for more information.
Dallas, Texas
The Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas scholarship offers need-based scholarships to students 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. Contact Miranda Winer at (214) 239-7168 for more information.
Danbury, Connecticut
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 Federation at (203) 792-6353 for more information.
Delaware
The Jewish Federation of Delaware makes grants to high school students between 15-17 years of age whose parent contribute to the Federation's Annual Cmpaign, to travel on qualified Israel programs. The application deadline is due by April 1. Recipients must attend pre- and post-trip briefings and commit to performing community service when they return, Contact Ruth Rosenberg at (302) 427-2100 ext. 17 for more information.
Detroit, Michigan
The Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit's Israel and Overseas Department offers scholarships for local Jewish teenagers traveling on approved programs to Israel. The Department offers both scholarships and trip subsidies. Contact Cheryl Lingsch at (248) 205-2543 for more information.
East Bay, California
The Israel Center awards scholarships to East Bay high school students who are planning to attend specific organized programs in Israel. These scholarships are based on financial need. Download the application on their website, or contact Polly Zavadivker at (510) 839-2900 ext. 210 for more information.
Greensboro, North Carolina
Greensboro's Israel Experience Grant Program offers grants of $1600 (for Israel programs of up to four weeks) or $1750 (4+ weeks) for teens coming out of 10th-12th grades who live in the Greensboro area and whose parent(s) also live in Greensboro and contribute to the Federation in that year. Application requires an interview, and teens are required to perform 18 hours of community service before the trip and agree to speak at Jewish community events and write an article for the Federation newsletter post-trip. Contact Rachel Wolf at (336) 852-5433 ext. 229 for more information.
There are also a limited number of scholarships based on need and merit offered through the Jacke W. and Lottie K. Samet Israel Experience Scholarship Fund. For more information contact Marcia Hermelin at (336) 852-4829 ext. 222.
Hartford, Connecticut
The Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford in partnership with the Commission on Jewish Education and Leadership offers scholarships of at least $500 to local teens. Contact Jo LaRocco at 860-727-6139 for more details.
Houston, Texas
The Jewish Federation of Greater Houston's Bureau of Jewish Education offers scholarships to families in need of assistance in order to enable their children to participate in Jewish educational experiences, such as peer-group trips to Israel and approved Jewish overnight summer camps. For more information, contact Paulette Walden at (713) 729-7000, ext. 309.
Indianapolis, Indiana
The Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis administers the Israel Youth Grant which provides $1000 to Israel program participents who have completed 10th grade (teens with SKIP accounts may not apply). Need-based scholarships are also available through the Rothbard Family Scholarship. For more information contact Inna Kolesnikova at (317) 715-9264.
Kansas City, Kansas
The Central Agency for Jewish Education administers need-based Gaurdian Foundation scholarships for local Jewish teens traveling to Israel. Contact Elinore Penner at (913) 327-8142 for more information.
Las Vegas, Nevada
The Jewish Federation of Las Vegas administers a merit-based scholarship program funded by a partnership of the Welt Fund, the Eisenberg Fund and the Wilner Fund, three local philanthropies. Youth aged 11-21 may apply and their awards may be used towards Israel programs or Jewish summer camps. For more information contact Marjorie Griebel at (702) 732-0556.
Lexington, Kentucky
Scholarships for Israel Experience programs 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. Contact the Israel Scholarship Committee at (859) 269-8244.
Los Angeles, California
The Jewish Federation of Los Angeles provides Partnership grants of $500 awarded from the Federation on a first-come/first-served basis to any teen with confirmation of a $250 matching grant from the family's synagogue ($750 total). If family has no synagogue afilliation, the BJE will complete paperwork for $500 Federation grant. Application requires an $18 application fee and signed partnership form from synagogue or BJE. The Federation also provides grants of up to $1000 (in addition to partnership grant) for teens with demonstrated family financial need. Application requires financial documents and are due by April 15. For both types of grants, teen must be 15 by time of program and a resident of the LA metro area. Contact Beth Singer at (323) 761-8342 for more information.
For applicants with financial need, the Jewish Free Loan Association provides interest-free loans of up to $4,000 to residents of Southern CA. Contact 323-761-8830 x109 or info@jfla.org
Louisville, Kentucky
Grants of up to $1000 are awarded on a first-come/first-served basis to Lousiville-area teens. To apply, write a formal request to Alan Engel including details of the Israel program. If additional financial assistance is requested because of family need, include an explanation in the same letter and Alan will contact family directly.
Merit-based: Awards of $1500-$2000 are available from the Milton Cantor Fund. Contact Alan for the application, which requires an essay.
Memphis, Tennesee
The Memphis Jewish Federation offers subsidies of $2,500 to any local sophomore or junior traveling on an approved trip to Israel during the summer. In cases of proven financial need, the subsidy can be increased to $3,500. Contact Gerri Patterson, Director of Education and Israel Programs at (901) 767-7100 for more information.
Merrimack Valley, MA
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. For more information, contact Laurie Mindlin at (978) 688-0466.
Metrowest, New Jersey
United Jewish Communities of Metro West offers a variety of scholarships to local teens traveling to Israel on approved summer programs. 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. Contact Alan Gerberg at (973) 929-3038 for more information.
Miami, Florida
The Greater Miami Jewish Federation offers grants and financial aid to Jewish teens traveling to Israel. Contact the Israel Programs department at (305) 576-4000 ext. 495 for more information.
Middlesex County, New Jersey
The Jewish Federation of Greater Middlesex County offers $1,000 grants to local teens entering grades 10-12 for an approved Israel travel program. Contact Susan Antman at (732) 432-7711 for more information.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
The Milwaukee Jewish Federation's Israel Center has established an incentive program for young people to visit Israel, as well as scholarships for Jewish camps and travel programs. The distribution of the fund is managed by the Shlicha in accordance with the program principles. Contact Rakefet Ginsburg at (414) 390-5722 for more information.
Minneapolis, Minnesota
The Louis Herman Israel Experience Fund offers grants of up to $1000 to Jewish teens aged 15-18 who are Minneapolis residents to travel on approved Israel programs. Exact award amount depends on available funds, program length, and applicant's financial need and level of community involvement. Teens who receive grants will be asked to volunteer in the Jewish community upon their return, as a way to "give back" and share their experience with others. Additional need-based assistance is available separately from the Israel Program Center Scholarship Fund. Contact Eilat Harel at (952) 381-3552 for more information.
Monmouth County, New Jersey
The Jewish Federation of Monmouth County provides offers a travel stipend of $500 per high school student through the Continuity Commission. Contact Ann Goldman at (732) 531-6200 for more information.
Montreal, Quebec
The Bronfman Israel Experience Centre offers a limited amount of need-based financial assistance for travel on approved Israel programs. For more information, contact Dayna Schwartz at (514) 345-6449, ext 3052.
Nashville, Tennessee
The Jewish Federation of Nashville offers need-based scholarships for trips to Israel for students in the 10th through 12th grades. In addition, the Mary & Harry Zimmerman Youth Exchange Endowment Fund supports an Israel Incentive Grant for 8-12th graders For more information on how to apply for these opportunities, please contact Steve Edelstein, Executive Director.
New Bedford, Massachusetts
The Jewish Federation of Greater New Bedford invites applications for financial assistance for high school students to travel in Israel. Students participating in approved programs will be eligible for assistance for the upcoming summer regardless of financial need. Grants are available for Jewish individuals who reside in the Greater New Bedford area. Contact Olga Yorish at (508) 997-7471 for more information.
New Haven, Connecticut
The Jewish Federation of Greater Hew Haven provides scholarships to local Jewish teens who travel on authorized summer programs to Israel. Contact the Israel Desk at (203) 387-2424 for more information.
New Jersey - Central
The Jewish Federation of Central New Jersey offers one-time subsidies to local teens participating in approved Israel programs. Contact Linda Poleyeff at 908-889-5335 ext.302 for more information.
New Jersey - Northern
The UJA Federation of Northern New Jersey's Israel Program Center provides need-based scholarships, merit scholarships, and the Gift of Israel matching gift program. Applications are due by February 27, 2009. Contact Galeet Lipke at the Israel Programs Center at (201) 820-3908 for more information.
New Jersey - Southern
The Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey's Department of Jewish Education offers the Gift of Israel Program and need-based scholarships to local Jewish teens traveling to Israel. Contact Penina Hoffnung at (856) 751-9500 ext 208 for more information. The Jewish Community Foundation also offers the Freda & Sam Yacker Israel Experience Award of up to $3,000 for an approved program (essay required). Please contact Jeff Klein at (856) 673-2521 for more details.
New York, New York
The Jewish Federation of New York offers a variety of merit and need-based scholarships to high school residents of Manhattan, Brooklyn, Staten Island, Bronx, Queens, Nassau, Suffolk or Westchester. Programs must be a minimum for four weeks in length to qualify. For more information contact the Israel Experience Center at (800) 64-ISRAEL.
New Mexico
The Jewish Federation of New Mexico offers $100 per year to local Jewish teens who are members of nationally recognized Jewish youth groups (such as BBYO) to attend a program sponsored by that group. For more information, contact Sam Sokolove at (505) 821-3214.
North Shore, Massachusetts
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. Contact Rachel Jacobson at (978) 564-0729 for more information.
Omaha, Nebraska
The Center for Jewish Education administers a wide variety of scholarships for youth travel to Israel. Many, but not all, of these scholarships have financial need as criteria in determining awards. Contact Mary Sue Grossman, Assistant Executive Director, at 402-334-6445, for more information.
Palm Beach County, Florida
The Israel Program Center of the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County offers B'nai Mitzvah Vouchers and Israel Incentive Grants of $600 each which are one-time awards and may not be used for the same program. Judaica Institute grants of $250 are also available to students who have completed or are in their 3rd year of the local CJE adolescent program, and these may be used in conjuction with either of the grants above. The Federation also provides need-based financial aid of up to $1,600 to teens for approved Israel programs. The application deadline is March 1, 2010. Contact Mia Johnson at at 561-242-6609 for more information.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The Philadelphia Jewish Federation administers a Passport to Israel incentive savings fund for teens as well as need-based scholarships for teens, college students and adults wishing to travel, study or volunteer in Israel. The maximum scholarship is $2,500, but no more than half of the program expense. Contact Donna Levinson at (215) 832-0550 for more information.
Phoenix, Arizona
The Harold and Jean Grossman Israel Experience Scholarship Fund provides grants on a first-come/first-served basis to area teens coming out of 10th-12th grades for qualified Israel programs that are a minimum of three weeks. Application requires an essay, two reference letters, and an interview, and is due two months before the program start date. Recipient must enroll in Israel Experience preparation class and perform pre- & post-trip community service. Contact Ernie Muntner at 480-634-4900, ext. 1119 for more information.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
AJL Pittsburgh offers scholarships for up to $1300 to Jewish teenagers from the Pittsburgh area traveling on qualified Israel programs during the summer. Priority is given to first time visitors to Israel. Applications require an interview and are reviewed on a first-come/first-served basis until April 30th. For teens with demonstrated family financial need, up to $1000 additional may be awarded based on financial documents and a committee interview. For information or an application, contact Amy Karp at 412-521-1101, ext. 3204.
Portland, Oregon
The Oregon Board of Rabbis and the Jewish Federation of Portland offers the Teen Israel Experience program. 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. 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. Contact Vicki Greif at (503) 222-1069 for more information.
Rhode Island
The Bureau of Jewish Education of Rhode Island administers a variety of incentive and need-based grants to Rhode Island residents of high-school age and beyond. Applications, 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. Contact Beth Brier, Israel Desk Coordinator at (401) 331-0956 ext. 223 for more information.
Rochester, New York
The Federation of Greater Rochester administers a Gift of Israel incentive savings fund which can be used for teens to travel to Israel on approved programs. Contact Josh Boress at (585) 461-0490 x249 for more information.
San Diego, California
The United Jewish Federation of San Diego County set up the Israel Youth Travel Scholarship Fund, which provides two types of need-based scholarships: general Scholarship Fund and Synagogue Partnerships (synagogues provide matching funds to promote youth Israel travel among their congregants). Contact Eyal Dagan, Community Shaliach, at (858) 571-3444 for more information.
San Francisco, California
The Bureau of Jewish Education offers financial assistance to teens in grades 8-12 wishing to travel to Israel for the first time. Contact Janet Rothman, the Financial Aid Director at (415) 751-6983, ext. 107 for more information.
San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys, California
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. Contact the Federation at 626-332-0700 for more information.
Seattle, Washington
The Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle offers scholarships to Jewish teenagers traveling to Israel. Contact Sara Lahyani at (206) 774-2236 for more information.
Southern Illinois
The Federation of Southern Illinois offers $500 subsidies and low interest loans to teens who are Federation members and wish to travel to Israel on an approved program. Contact the Federation at (618) 398-6100 for more information.
Springfield, Massachusetts
The Jewish Federation of Greater Springfield offers a variety of scholarships and grants to Jewish teenagers traveling to Israel. For more information, contact Michelle Lancto, Grants Administrator at (413) 732-9994.
St. Louis, Missouri
The Central Agency for Jewish Education offers a variety of merit- and need-based scholarships and loans to Jewish teens traveling to Israel.
Merit-based: Stuart I. Pessin Award of $1,250 each to two teens on the basis of their activities in the Jewish Community and their commitment to continued Jewish education and participation. Application requires two-page essay and resume of activities, due by March 25.
Israel Teen Fellow Award of $3000 each to five teens in 9th-11th grades affiliated with a Conservative or Reform congregation in St. Louis. Application requires two-page essay and resume of activities, due by March 1. Recipient must attend pre- & post-trip meetings, write a post-trip essay, share experience with religious school classes and participate in communal activities.
Need-based: Scholarships (unstated range) and interest-free loans (up to $500) are available for high-school students who are residents of the St. Louis metro area and have demonstrated family financial need. Application requires financial documents and is due by April 19.
Contact Karen Rader at (314) 442-3756 for more information.
St. Paul, Minnesota
The United Jewish Fund and Council of St. Paul offers Israel Experience Scholarships to Jewish children and young adults, ages 13-22, for approved Israel travel prgrams. Applicants who are planning their first trip to Israel will receive priority. The next application deadline is March 6, 2009. Contact Laura Savin at (651) 695-3183 for more information.
Syracuse, New York
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 Rich Friedman at (315) 445-2040 ext. 105 for more information.
Toledo, Ohio
The Jewish Experience Fund of the United Jewish Council of Greater Toledo provides stipends of up to $1,000 for local teens participating in an approved Israel travel program or other qualifying Jewish summer program. Contact the Department of Jewish Programs at (419) 724-0365 for more information.
Vancouver, British Columbia
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. Deadlines for application are November 5, March 6, May 22 and July 10. 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. Contact If’at Eilon-Heiber or Michael Pinsky at (604) 257-5100 for more information.
Washington, DC
The Partnership for Jewish Life and Learning administers Israel Quest, which provides grants for Jewish teens in grades 9-12 living in the Washington, DC metropolitan area to participate in an approved Israel program. The base subsidy offered by Israel Quest is $600 for a three-week Israel progam or $1000 for a four-week Israel program, in addition to which they will match up to $500 of merit-based funds offered by another sponsoring organization such as a synagogue or local youth group. Israel Quest funding is disbursed on a first-come, first-served basis, so it is important to apply early. A limited amount of need-based assistance for Israel programs is also available. Contact Leah Siskin at 240-283-6228 for more Information.
Wichita, Kansas
The Mid-Kansas Jewish Federation offers scholarships to all local teens traveling to Israel on an approved program for up to $1500. Requests for additional need-based financial assitance will also be considered. The deadline for applications is February 1, 2009. Contact the Federation office at 316-686-4741 for more information.
Learn More:
Why Israel
Why Now
Scholarship Info
Register Now
Safety & Security