Scholarship Information

THIS PAGE IS CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION. THE INFORMATION WILL REMAIN FOR YOUR BENEFIT; PLEASE PARDON IT’S APPEARANCE.

Habonim Dror believes in a socialism based on the values of equality, social justice, collectivism, peace and democracy, and educates its chaverim towards contributing to a society and living a life based on these values in Israel.   Habonim Dror asserts that the practice of
socialism – combining elements of common ownership, democracy, free access to resources and an understanding of collective responsibility is essential for the equality of all people.

Consistent with our ideology, Habonim Dror believes that qualified program applicants should not be excluded from participation due to an inability to pay.  We have a supportive alumni organization that raise funds to subsidize the high cost of programs and to provide scholarships.

Working with many community organizations both in North America and Israel we can assist with scholarship applications.   

Scholarship Resources – Geographic

Canada

Vancouver, British Columbia

  • http://www.jewishvancouver.com/
  • Financial need-based grants 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. 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 Shelley Goldberg at (604) 257-5100 for more information.
  • Vancouver, British Columbia: Israel Scholarship, Qualifying Type: Need-based, Amount: Up to $3,000; Contact: Shelley Goldberg Phone: 604.257.5100 Email: sgoldberg@jewishvancouver.com
  • Alisa Bowman Leadership Fund

Toronto, Ontario

  • Contact the United Jewish Appeal by phone at 416-635-2883 or toll free at 1-888-635-2424.Toronto – Administered by the Federation and Board of Jewish Education available to teens and college students. Toronto also keeps extensive lists of additional scholarship opportunities for Israel travel. Contact: UJA Federation, (416) 635-2883

Montreal, Quebec

  • The Bronfman Israel Experience Centre offers need-based financial assistance for travel on approved Israel programs. For more information, please contact the Centre at (514) 345-6449.
  • Montreal – Administered through the Federation and available to students studying in Israel and traveling on congregational trips. Contact: CJA, (514) 735-3541, jirs@federationcja.org

United States
Arizona

  • Phoenix – Administered by the Federation through the Gift of Israel program available for children in 3rd-10th grade. The participant must then used the raised funds within 1 year of 10th grade. Contact: Israel Center, (480) 624-4900, x 1119, israelcenter@jewishphoenix.org

California

  • East Bay (Oakland/Berkeley Area): http://www.jfed.org/
  • The Israel Center awards need-based scholarships to East Bay high school students for organized programs in Israel. Download the application on their website, or contact Jessi Norris, Planning Associate, at jessi@jfed.org or call 510.318.6411.
  • Israel Trips Financial Aid: Need-based, Amount Varies; Contact: Jessi Norris Phone: 510.318.6411 Email: jessi@jfed.org
  • Los Angeles:
  • Jewish Federation of Greater Long Beach and West Orange Contact: sharonk@jewishlongbeach.org
  • The Jewish Federation of Los Angeles provides assistance in locating scholarships and financial assistance to area teens traveling to Israel. The Federation directly provides a number of scholarships and fund matching programs to qualified teens. Contact Beth Singer at (323) 761-8342 for more information.
  • Israel Incentive Partnership Grants: Qualifying Type: Multiple; Amount: $500; Contact: Nina Patchak Phone: 323.761.8320 Email: npatchak@jewishla.org
  • Jewish Interest Free Loan Association; Qualifying Type: Multiple – Interest free loan; Amount: Up to $5,000; Contact: Natalie Fainberg Phone: 323.761.8830 x109 Email: Natalie@jfla.org
  • Los Angeles Jewish Federation
  • Israel Connections/Experiences (IC/E) – IEP provides incentive grants of up to $500 to those young people chosen as recipients by their partner synagogue, organization, or agency. Each partner determines the qualifications for its participants under IEP guidelines. The synagogue and organization partner provides $250 or more to the amount of the IC/E grant. Click here for more information, or call Beth Singer at (323) 761-8342.
  • Need-Based Grants – For those students with additional financial need, IC/E centrally distributes need-based grants, determined by a lay committee, that range from $200 to $1,000 per student. All grants are a one-time only. Birthright, Diller and other programs that the Federation funds are considered one-time. If someone was on one of these programs, Federation would not be able to fund them again. Click here for more information, or call Beth Singer at (323) 761-8342.
  • Jewish Free Loan Association Loans – In partnership with the Jewish Free Loan Association (JFLA), IC/E helps participating families access interest-free loans. JF:A gives up to $4,000 to students going to Israel; loans require co-signers. These loans are interest-free and offer a flexible payment schedule. Click here for more information.
  • San Diego: The United Jewish Federation of San Diego County has Israel Travel Scholarships. Contact Dana Mekler, at (858) 737-7132 for more information.
  • San Diego: Israel Youth Travel Scholarship Fund: Need-based; Amount: Varies; Contact: Dana Mekler Phone: 858.737.7132 Email: danam@jewishfederationsandiego.org
  • San Diego – Administered through the United Jewish Federation of San Diego County’s Israel Center. Applicants must be full time high school or college students between the ages of 15 and 26. Applicants must have a minimum grade point average of 2.0 and commit to participation in pre and post travel activities and educational programs. Upon their return applicants are expected to participate in some type of Jewish education; share their Israel Experience through written and oral presentations; participate in Jewish communal activities, and perform community service by volunteering for a Jewish communal agency or synagogue for a minimum of 10 hours during the year following the Israel Experience. Programs must be educationally based and be a sponsored by a nationally recognized pluralistic and Zionist Jewish institution. Israel Center subsidies range from $100-$1,500 per student and all funds are distributed to the specified Israel program, not to the recipients. Application deadline is April 15th. Funding will not be provided for airfare or personal expenses. San Diego also runs the Scott Stone San Diego Israel Teen Trip. The Stone family provides a $500 subsidy per teen participating on the trip. Contact: United Jewish Federation of San Diego County, UJF Israel Center, LLC 4950 Murphy Canyon Road, San Diego, CA 92123, (858) 571-3444, isctr@ujfsd.org
  • San Francisco (City, Peninsula, and Marin & Sonoma Counties): The Jewish Community Federation and the Bureau of Jewish Education offers financial assistance to teens in grades 8-12 wishing to travel to Israel for the first time. Contact Adam Weisberg, Director of Teens Initiatives,at (415) 512-6206 for more information.
  • San Francisco – Administered by the Bureau of Jewish Education and available to all students. Gift of Israel program is also available through the Jewish Community Federation. Contact: Jewish Community Federation, (415) 777-0411, giftofisrael@sfjcf.org
  • San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys: The local Federation office offers scholarships for local teenagers traveling to Israel. Contact the Federation at 626-445-0810 for more information.
  • San Gabriel and Pomona Valley, California: Israel Scholarship: Need-based, Amount: $500; Contact: Jason Moss Phone: 626.445.0810 Email: jmoss@jewishsgpv.org
  • Orange CountySanta Barbara: Israel Scholarship: Need-based, Amount: Varies; Contact: Marilyn Simon-Gersuk Phone: 805.957.1115 x106 Email: marilyn@sbjf.org
  • Passport to Jewish Life; Qualifying Type: Multiple; Amount: Up to $1,000; Contact: Kathleen Mellon Email: kathleen@jffs.org
  • Orange County – Passport to Jewish Life education grant – www.JewishOC.org/passport.aspx. This site includes the deadlines, guidelines, eligibility overview and other information they need, as well as a link to the new online form. Please note: in order to be eligible for Passport, a family must apply first for scholarship or financial assistance through the program provider. Contact: Kathleen Mellon, Director, Community Planning & Development, Jewish Federation & Family Services of Orange County, (949) 435-3484, Kathleen@jffs.org
  • East Bay, CA – The Israel Center of the Jewish Community Federation of the Greater East Bay has a single ongoing (no deadline) scholarship process for high school and college students. Eligible applicants must be under 30 years of age and live in Alameda or Contra Costa counties. Awards are need based. Funds are applicable to study in Israel only and are payable to the specific, recognized program and never to the applicant. Contact: Jewish Community Federation of the East Bay, (510) 839-2900, x 256, www.jed.org/Israelctrschol.htm, Summer Israel Trip Coordinator, (510) 839-2900, x 255, www.jfed.org/israelteentrips.htm

Colorado

  • Denver – Administered by the Colorado Agency for Jewish Education and available to teens and college students. Contact: Colorado Agency for Jewish Education, Daniel Bennett (Executive Director and Israel Trip Consultant), CAJE Israel Study Tour (303) 321-3191, Caje@caje-co.org, dbennett@caje-co.org

Connecticut

  • Danbury: The Jewish Federation offers the Teen Israel Experience program, open to all local Jewish youth entering grades 9-12. Merit scholarships of up to $1000 and need-based scholarships of up to $2000 are offered for programs approved by the UJC (United Jewish Communities). Recipients of the Israel Teen Experience Scholarship are required to “give back” by promoting the program to synagogue youth groups and/or the Board of Directors of the Jewish Federation. Contact Cathy Goldenberg at (203) 792-6353 for more information.
  • Hartford: 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 traveling to Israel. Contact Jo LaRocco at 860-727-6139 for more details. In addition, the Passport to Israel program facilitates joint savings between families, synagogues, and federation to send teens to Israel.
  • New Haven: The Jewish Federation of Greater New 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.Hartford – Administered by the Federation and available to teens and college students. Contact: Greater Hartford Jewish Community Center, The Israel Program Center, (860) 231-6324
  • New Haven: Israel Scholarship, Qualifying Type: Needs-based, Amount: Varies; Contact: Sydney Perry Phone: 203.387.2424 x302 Email: sperry@jewishnewhaven.org
  • New Haven – Administered by the Bureau of Jewish Education and is available to students on summer trips. Contact: Department of Jewish Education, (203) 387-2424


Delaware

  • The Jewish Federation of Delaware offers grants to high school students for both Israel trips and for leaderships development programs. Contact Gina Kozicki at (302) 427-2100 ext. 20 for more information.
  • Delaware: Joseph & Marion Greenbaum Scholarship Fund, Qualifying Type: Multiple, Amount: $1,500; Contact: Gina Kozicki Phone: 302.427.2100 x20 Email: Gina.Kozicki@shalomdel.org

Florida

  • Jacksonville: Joan Levin Gift of Israel Program, Qualifying Type: Merit, Amount: $700; Contact: Jill Abel Phone: 904.448.5000 x200 Email: jilla@jewishjacksonville.org
  • Miami: Israel Programs Scholarship, Qualifying Type: Need Based, Amount: Varies; Contact: Dahlia Bendavid Phone: 305.576.4000 x445 Email: dbendavid@gmjf.org
  • The Greater Miami Jewish Federation offers grants and financial aid to Jewish teens traveling to Israel. Contact the Israel Programs department at 786-866-8498.
  • Miami – Administered through the Federation and available to high school and college students. Contact: Greater Miami Jewish Federation, Israel Programs Department, (305) 576-4000, x 343, israelprograms@gmjf.org
  • Palm Beach County: B’nai Mitzvah Vouchers and Israel Incentive Grants, Qualifying Type: Merit, Amount: $600
  • The Jewish Teen Initiative of the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County offers need-based grants and financial aid of up to $1,600 to teens for approved Israel programs. Call them at 561-478-0700 for more information.
  • Palm Beach – Administered by the Federation and available to teens and college students, specific scholarships for post Bar and Bat Mitzvah travel.
  • Contact: Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County, Israel Program Center, (561) 478-0700, x 176, info@jfedpbco.org
  • Award Name: Israel Scholarship, Qualifying Type: Need-based Amount: $1,600; Contact: Wendy Stahl Phone: 561.615.4939 Email: wendy.stahl@jewishpalmbeach.org
  • Boca Raton (South Palm Beach County): The Israel Resource Center of the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County offers funding to high school students who study in Israel. Contact Zehava Zeldin at (561) 852-6000 for more information. The Glassner-Hecht Family Endowment Fund also offers scholarship opportunities for students attending high school in Israel.
  • Boca Raton (So. Palm Beach County) – Administered by the Federation and available to P2K agencies, college and high school students who study in Israel and students who participate in congregational trips. Scholarships given are either $500 or $1000. Contact: South Palm Beach Federation, Jewish Education Commission, JEC, Executive Director. 9901 Donna Klein Blvd. Boca Raton, FL 33426, (561) 852-6013, jec@jewishboca.org
  • Broward County: 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.
  • Broward County, FL – Administered through the Orloff Central Agency for Jewish Education (CAJE) Israel Experience Center. Also participates in the Gift of Israel Savings program and the Gift of Israel Bar and Bat Mitzvah program. Contact: Israel Experience Center (954) 660-2070
  • Congregation B’nai Israel of St. Petersburg – Offers scholarships to a variety of conservative youth programs. For more information, St. Pete USYers may contact Stephanie at (727) 381-4900, x 209.

Georgia

  • Atlanta – Administered through the federation for community members age 15-26. Both incentive and need-based scholarships available. Those that accept scholarships must perform 20 hours of community service in the community. Contact: Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, Israel Experience Program, (404) 870-7686, go2israel@jfga.org

Illinois

  • Chicago: The Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago and the Jewish United Fund offer both need-based and merit scholarships for high school students traveling to Israel. Applicants must live or attend school in the Chicago area. Call 312-357-4798 or email the JUF for more information.
  • Chicago: Israel Experience, Qualifying Type: Need-Based, Amount: Up to $2,500
  • Award Name: Israel Experience, Qualifying Type: Merit, Amount: $1,000; Contact: Mandy Weiss Phone: 312.444.2895 Email: israelexperience@juf.org
  • Chicago – Scholarships offered by the Federation and available for high school, college and graduate students ages 14-23. JUF also offers Gift of Israel and SKIP (Israel Savings Program). Contact: Jewish United Fund (312) 444-2895 or (312) 444-2904 IsraelExperience@juf.org
  • Chicago – Scholarships offered by the Federation and available for high school, college and graduate students ages 14-23. JUF also offers Gift of Israel and SKIP (Israel Savings Program). Contact: Jewish United Fund, (312) 444-2895 or (312) 444-2904, IsraelExperience@juf.org

Louisanna

  • New Orleans – Administered by the Federation and available for community members ages 16-26 through the Gift of Israel program. Contact: Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans, (504) 780-5600, shalom@JewishNola.com

Maryland

  • Baltimore: The Center for Jewish Education’s Community Fund for Israel Experiences provides a range of stipends to local Jewish teenagers. Applications are reviewed on a first come, first served basis. Contact the Reena Roshgadol at (410) 735-5024 for more information.
  • Baltimore: Community Fund for Israel Experiences Scholarship, Qualifying Type: Need-based, Amount: Up to $1,000; Contact: Reena Roshgadol Phone: 410.735.5024 Email: CFIE@cjebaltimore.org 
  • Baltimore – Established by the ASSOCIATED Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore and administered through the Center for Jewish Education’s Community Fund for Israel Experiences. Baltimore area Jewish teens in grades eight through twelve whose legal guardian resides in the greater Baltimore area qualify to receive CFIE stipends if they are traveling to Israel on an educationally validated program, as determined by CJE at least 2 weeks in duration. CFIE stipends may be used for school break, summer, semester or year-long travel to Israel. Students are limited to one CFIE stipend per year. CFIE stipends may not exceed 50% of the total cost of any Israel experience. Beginning in 2003-2004 a student may receive a lifetime maximum of $1800. The average stipend amount is $500. An extra bonus of $500 is given to high school students and graduating seniors who are traveling to Israel for over four weeks and have demonstrated a commitment to continued Jewish education or to students who spend a semester or a year in Israel. Students are also eligible for up to $1,000 from the Hebrew Free Loan Association of Baltimore. Applications are due by February 2 and are funded on a first come, first served basis. CFIE stipends are sent directly to the Israel trip providers when proof of registration and trip cost is received. CFIE recipients attend a pre-trip and post-trip programming and complete 10 hours of community service upon return. CFIE applicants are invited to apply for the Kuntz and Kaplan Israel Experience Scholarships. Applications are available in February and due in April. Qualified applicants must submit a nomination, 3 letters of recommendation, an essay and fill out an application that details the family’s financial need. Once student is chosen to receive the Kuntz Israel Experience Scholarship in the amount of $1000 and one student is chosen to receive the Kaplan Israel Experience Scholarship in the amount of $800. Contact: Center for Jewish Education, Community Fund for Israel Experiences, 5708 Park Heights Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21215, (410) 735-5016, slevine-hefetz@cjebaltimore.org, teens2israel@cjebaltimore.org


Massachusetts

  • Berkshires (Pittsfield): The Jewish Federation of the Berkshires administers the Michael Nathaniel Shute Endowment Fund, which provides scholarships for youth trips to Israel. Applications are assessed according to the applicant’s demonstrated community involvement, educational interest and financial need. Contact Nancy Maurice Rogers at (413) 442-4360 ext. 15 for more information.
  • Berkshire County: Israel Scholarship, Qualifying Type: First-come/first-serve, Amount: Up to $3,000; Contact: Dara Kaufman Phone: 413.442.4360 x12 Email: Dara.Kaufman@verizon.net
  • Boston: The Combined Jewish Philanthropies provides scholarships and financial assistance for teenagers traveling to Israel. Contact Will Corrdin at (617) 457-8556 for more information.
  • Boston: Israel Teen Travel Scholarship, Qualifying Type: Need-based, Amount: $400 
  • Israel Teen Travel Financial Aid, Qualifying Type: Need-based, Amount: $400 and up; Contact: Will Corrdin Phone: 617.457.8556 Email: willc@cjp.org 
  • Merrimack Valley: The Merrimack Valley Jewish Federation offers grants of $250 to local teens traveling to Israel. The Federation also administers a Gift of Israel incentive savings program. For more information, contact Laurie Mindlin at (978) 688-0466.
  • Merrimack Valley: Israel Scholarship, Qualifying Type: Multiple, Amount: $250; Contact: Laurie Mindlin Phone: 978.688.0466 Email: laurie@mvjf.org
  • New Bedford: The Jewish Federation of Greater New Bedford welcomes applications for financial assistance for local Jewish 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. Contact the Federation at (508) 997-7471 or office@jewishnewbedford.org for more information.
  • New Bedford: Harvey Friedland Israel Youth Experience Memorial Fund & Evelyn Rosen Youth Israel Travel Fund, Qualifying Type: Multiple, Amount: Varies; Contact: Amir Cohen Phone: 508.997.7471 Email: amir@jewishnewbedford.org
  • North Shore: 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. Email Laura Shulman Brochstein or call 978-224-4095 for more information.
  • North Shore: Israel Scholarship, Qualifying Type: Multiple, Amount: Varies; Contact: Will Corrdin Phone: 617.457.8556 Email: willc@cjp.org
  • Springfield: The Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts offers scholarships to Jewish teenagers traveling to Israel. For more information, contact Federation at at (413) 737-4313.
  • Springfield: Israel Scholarship, Qualifying Type: Multiple, Amount: Varies; Contact: Michelle Lancto Phone: 413.732.9994 Email: mlancto@jewishwesternmass.org
  • Springfield: Israel Travel & Study Grant, Qualifying Type: Must live in Western Massachusetts, Amount: Up to $1,000; Contact: Harold Grinspoon Foundation Phone: 413.736.2552 Email: gti@hgf.org
  • Springfield, MA – Administered by the Jewish Endowment Foundation of Western Massachusetts there are several scholarships available to students studying in Israel. The Israel Youth Scholarship Fund offers scholarships to all local youth who have completed their sophomore, junior or senior year. Applicants must be students or graduates of any of the Jewish schools. Priority consideration will be given to applicants who will be making their first trip to Israel. Awards will be based on need, qualifications, and potential for future Jewish leadership. Western Massachusetts also offers the Hebrew Education, Culture, and Israel Scholarship Fund available to students who live in Hampden county who have completed their sophomore, junior or senior year of high school. Students must participate in a summer teen study or tour program in Israel. Priority is given to students who are unaffiliated and/or have not been to Israel before. Contact: The Jewish Endowment Foundation of Western Massachusetts Director of Grants Administration 1160 Dickson Street, Springfield, MA 01108, (413) 732-9994
  • Attleboro: Israel Scholarship Salmanson Family Fund, Qualifying Type: Multiple, Amount: Up to $1,500; Contact: Elanah Chassen Phone: 401.421.4111 x140 Email: echassen@jewishallianceri.org


Michigan

  • Detroit: 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 Alicia Felhandler at (248) 642-5617 for more information.
  • Detroit: Get There!, Qualifying Type: Subsidy, Amount: $750 – $1,000
  • Award Name: Get There!, Qualifying Type: Need-based, Amount: Varies; Contact: Alicia Felhandler Phone: 248.642.5617 Email: felhandler@jfmd.org 
  • Detroit – Administered by the Federation and available to all students. Contact: Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit – Jewish Education Alliance (248) 203-1456
  • Ann Arbor: The Susan L. Lichter Memorial Endowed Israel Scholarship Fund, Qualifying Type: Merit-based, Amount: $2,500 
  • Israel Experience Subsidies, Qualifying Type: Multiple, Amount: Up to $1,000; Contact: Rabbi Ilana Baden Phone: 734.677.0100 Email: ilana@jewishannarbor.org


Missouri

  • Kansas City – Administered by the Central Agency for Jewish Education as well as schools and synagogues and available to students studying in Israel. Contact: CAJE, (913) 327-8140
  • St. Louis – Administered by the Federation and available to teens and college students. Contact: The Jewish Federation of St. Louis (314) 432-0020


Minnesota

  • Minneapolis/St. Paul – The Minneapolis Federation offers need-based scholarships to the community administered by the Minneapolis JCC and Federation. Most scholarships go to college students. Minneapolis also offers the Passport to Israel program for community members ages 8-21. St. Paul offers Israel Experience Scholarships through the federation for ages 13-22. Contact: Israel Program Scholarship (Minneapolis), (952) 593-2600, Israel@sabesjcc.org, Israel Experience Scholarships (St. Paul), (651) 690-1707


Nebraska

  • Omaha – Offers Israel Experience Grants through the Jewish Educational Library Services for students currently enrolled in Grades 9-12. Recipients are required to perform community service. Contact: Jewish Educational Library Services, (402) 334-8200


New Jersey

  • MetroWest, NJ: United Jewish Communities of MetroWest offers a variety of scholarships to local teens traveling to Israel on approved summer programs. Participants must participate in pre-trip educational sessions. Qualified participants receive $750 and may receive an additional $250 if their synagogue contributes. Contact the Legow Family Israel Program Center at (973) 929-3054 for more information.
  • Metrowest: Passport to Israel, Qualifying Type: Multiple, Amount: Up to $1,000; Contact: Alan Gerberg Phone: 973.929.3038 Email: agerberg@jfedgmw.org
  • MetroWest – Administered by UJC 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 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. MetroWest does run its own Israel Experience Initiative trip which is called MetroWest Goes Israel. Contact: United Jewish Communities of MetroWest, Legow Israel Family Program Center, Director of Special Projects, 901 Route 10, Whippany, NJ 07981, (973) 929-3038
  • Middlesex County, NJ: The Jewish Federation of Greater Middlesex County offers $1,000 grants for approved Israel travel programs to local teens entering grades 10-12, and the option to apply for an additional $1,000 scholarships from the Anne and Herbert Goldstein Endowment Fund. Contact Susan Antman at (732) 588-1802 for more information.
  • Middlesex County: Israel Teen Grants, Qualifying Type: Multiple, Amount: Up to $1,000
  • Anne & Herbert Goldstein Fund for Youth Travel, Qualifying Type: Competitive, Amount: $1,000; Contact: Meryl Harris Phone: 732.588.1810 Email: mharris@jf-gmc.org
  • Monmouth County, NJ: The Jewish Federation of Monmouth County offers need-based scholarships to students residing in Monmouth County, NJ. Contact Ariella Lis Raviv at (732) 866-4307 for more information.
  • Monmouth County: Israel Scholarship, Qualifying Type: Need-based, Amount: $500; Contact: Miriam Tennenbaum Phone: 732.866.4300 Email: MiriamT@jewishmonmouth.org
  • North Jersey: 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. Contact Anat Weiner, director of teen education, at (203) 387-2424 ext. 323.
  • Northern: Jacob Dineson Lodge Designated Fund for March of the Living, Qualifying Type: Multiple, Amount: Varies; Contact: BBYO Passport Phone: 202.537.8091 Email: info@bbyopassport.org
  • North Jersey – Administered by the federation, the Jewish Federation of North Jersey offers both need based and merit scholarships. Need based scholarships are available to young adults wishing to go on an Israel Experience. They are available to any student living in the Federation catchment area and the amount varies based on the needs of each individual family and is subject to review by the Scholarship Committee of the Israel Programs Center. Merit based scholarships of $200 are awarded to teens participating in approved Israel Experience programs of at least 4 weeks duration. They are available to any students living in the Federation catchment area between the ages of 15-18 and has never participated in an Israel Experience Program. Merit based scholarships are not to be combined with any other scholarship given by the UJA Federation. All scholarships are paid directly to the program vendor. Scholarships are limited and applications are considered on a first-come, first-serve basis. Contact: Jewish Federation of North Jersey, Israel Programs Center Associate, (201) 820-3900, x 235, elanam@ujabergencounty.org
  • South Jersey: 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. ContactPenina 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.
  • Southern: Freda & Sam Yacker Israel Experience Award, Qualifying Type: Multiple, Amount: Up to $3,000; Contact: Jeff Klein Phone: 856.673.2521 Email: jklein@jfedsnj.org
  • Award Name: Saltzman Future Leadership Program, Qualifying Type: Need-based, Amount: Varies
  • Award Name: Teen Israel Experiences, Qualifying Type: Need-based, Amount: Varies
  • Award Name: BJBI Youth Fund, Qualifying Type: Need-based, Amount: Varies; Contact: Ben Wachstein Phone: 856.673.2508 Email:bwachstein@jfedsnj.org
  • Southern New Jersey – Administered by the Federation and available to teens and college students. The Department of Jewish Education offers the Gift of Israel Program as well as merit based scholarships. Contact: Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey, Department of Jewish Education, (856) 751-9500, x 251
  • Atlantic County – Administered through the Federation and the Bureau of Jewish Education and available for students who travel on congregational trips. Contact: Jewish Federation of Atlantic and Cape May County, (609) 653-3030, jfedacm@cyberenet.net


New York

  • Albany: The Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York offers need-based scholarships only. The applicant must reside in Northeastern New York (Albany, Schenectady, Troy, Saratoga Springs, Glens Falls or the immediately surrounding areas). Contact Marci Galinkin at (518) 783-7800 ext. 239 for more information.
  • Albany & Northeastern New York Community: Jewish Enrichment Scholarship, Locations: Albany, Schenectady, Troy, Saratoga, Glens Falls, Columbia and Greene counties, Qualifying Type: Need-based, Amount: Varies; Contact: Deborah Chapman Goldstein Phone: 518.783.7800 x 230 Email: dgoldstein@jewishfedny.org
  • Award Name: The Israel Experience Program, Qualifying Type: Matching, Amount: Up to $1,000; Contact: Marci Galinkin Phone: 518.783.7800 x 239 Email: mgalinkin@jewishfedny.org
  • Albany (Northeast New York) – Administered by the Federation. Contact: Jewish Federation of Northeast New York (518) 783-7800 info@jewishfedny.org
  • Buffalo – Eerie & Niagara County: The Israel Scholarship Committee of the Foundation for Jewish Philanthropies administers a limited amount of need-based financial assistance for Jewish high school students in Western New York to travel and study in Israel. Contact the Foundation for Jewish Philanthropies at (716) 204-1133.
  • Buffalo: Israel Scholarship, Qualifying Type: Need-based, Amount: Up to $1,000; Contact: Lisa Collins Phone: 877.933.6369 Email: Lisa@jewishphilanthropies.org
  • New York City: 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. For more information contact the Israel Experience Center at (800) 64-ISRAEL.
  • New York: Israel Scholarship, Qualifying Type: Multiple, Amount: Varies; Contact: BBYO Passport Phone: 202.537.8091 Email: info@bbyopassport.org
  • Rochester: 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 Aileen Koffman, coordinator of teen education and Israel trips, at (585) 461-0490 ext 8650.
  • Rochester: Gift of Israel Incentive Savings Fund, Qualifying Type: Matching, Amount: Up to $1,200
  • Award Name: Israel Teen Scholarship, Qualifying Type: Need-based, Amount: Varies; Contact: Richard Gordon Phone: 585.461.0490 x8637 Email: rgordon@jewishrochester.org
  • Rochester – Administered by the Jewish Federation of Greater Rochester’s Coordinator of Teen Education and Israel Trips. Contact: Jewish Federation of Greater Rochester (585) 461-0490 or go to www.jewishrochester.org and click on “Teens” for more information
  • Syracuse: The Jewish Federation of Central New York offers grants and scholarships to teens traveling to Israel through the Israel Experience Program and the Isaiah Wolfson Scholarship fund. Contact Judith Stander at (315) 445-2040 ext. 114 for more information.
  • Syracuse: Israel Scholarship & Grant, Qualifying Type: Multiple, Amount: Varies; Contact: Judith Stander Phone: 315.445.2040 x114 Email: jstander@jewishfederationcny.org
  • Orange County: The Jack and Jessica Blinkoff scholarship, Qualifying Type: Competitive, Amount: Full cost of an Israel trip
  • Award Name: Youth 2 Israel, Qualifying Type: Need Based, Amount: Varies; Contact Sharon Ball Phone: 845.562.7860 Email: sharon@jewishorangeny.org
  • New York (New York City, Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester counties) – Administered through the Federation. Need based and merit scholarships are 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 and Chaverim Awards in the amount of $1,250 to students with leadership potential who are nominated by a UJA-Federation agency or by a synagogue in the New York City Metropolitan area, Long Island or Westchester County. Students are required to provide Jewish community service upon returning home from Israel. UJA-Federation of New York also offers the Singer Family awards in the amount of $1,250 given to students from Westchester County who are nominated by a UJA-Federation agency or by a synagogue in the New York City Metropolitan area, Long Island or Westchester County. Students are also required to provide Jewish community service when they return. To apply for the Merit based scholarships, please e-mail UJA – this deadline is usually in March. To apply for needs based scholarship you must contact the METNY USY office directly, not UJA – this deadline is also in March. Contact: UJA-Federation of New York Israel Experience Center, israelctr@ujafedny.org


North Carolina

  • Greensboro, NC – Administered through the Federation, scholarships are offered through the Gift of Israel program and the Israel Grant Program which offers scholarships to community members ages 16-23. Contact: Greensboro Jewish Federation (336) 852-5433
  • Charlotte, NC – The Jewish Federation gives $500 to any Israel trip, but you are guaranteed to get it. An essay is required in order to receive the money. Contact: (704) 944-6760, jfgc@shalomcharlotte.org, www.jewishcharlotte.org


Ohio

  • Cleveland – Administered by the Federation and the Jewish Education Center of Cleveland and available to high school and college students. Contact: Cleveland Israel Experience office, (216) 371-0446, x122 or (216) 566-9200, x326, Israelexp@jecc.org
  • Columbus, OH – The Columbus Jewish Federation offers teen and college Israel Experience grants. Programs that qualify for Israel Experience grants are listed on www.israelexperience.org, The Ohio State Seminar in Israel and new community-sponsored or national programs a minimum of two weeks in length and organized by either qualified Jewish educators, rabbis or teachers. Teen grant amounts are $1,500. To qualify a college student must reside or have one parent who resides in the Greater Columbus area or in a location that falls within the boundaries of the Columbus Jewish Federation’s campaign. All applicants must be currently enrolled in college OR up to no more than 2 years after their graduation. College student grant amounts are $500 for two-week programs, $1,000 for one-month programs, $1,500 semester programs and $2,000 for year-long programs. All students who receive Israel Experience grants must participate in Israel Experience follow-up programs as well as participate in a short, evaluative interview upon their return. Payment of all grants are made directly to the program and not sent to the recipient of the grant. The Columbus Jewish Federation also offers need-based scholarships from the Israel Experience Discretionary Fund. The Columbus Jewish Federation uses are formula incorporating family income and cost and length of trip on a case-by-case basis not to exceed $2,000. Contact: The Columbus Jewish Federation 1175 College Ave, Columbus, OH 43209, (614) 559-3242
  • Toledo – Administered by the Federation. Offers the SKIP (Send a Kid to Israel) Program. Scholarships for high schools students that are given in cooperation with local synagogues. Contact: United Jewish Council of Greater Toledo, (419) 885-3207, fedweb@jewishtoledo.org
  • The Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati: Requirements: One parent must be Jewish; Must be enrolled in High School in Cincinnati or College (Age 16-23); Applicants are required to enroll in a Pre Trip Israel Educational program at either the Cincinnati Reform Jewish High School, Mercaz, RITTS, and the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati. (The course at the federation is only for those students not affiliated with the latter three institutions.); Post Trip: All students are required to fill out a baseline survey for the next ten years after their trip. This survey is to track the student’s involvement in Jewish Life. JESNA institute will evaluate these surveys; Post Trip students are required to volunteer at least once in the community. Money Available – Up to $4,000, Contact: Barbra Miller (513) 985-1528 Application available online For more information


Pennsylvania

  • Allentown: The Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley offers scholarships to local teens in grades 9-12 for organized trips to Israel and Jewish educational summer programs. Their VISIT Israel Saving Program can also help families save and make DLHS more affordable. Contact Joan Brody atjoan@jflv.org for more information.
  • Philadelphia: 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 the Federation at (215) 832-0500 for more information.
  • Philadelphia: Passport to Israel Incentive Savings Fund, Qualifying Type: Matching, Amount: Up to $1,400
  • Award Name: Israel Scholarship, Qualifying Type: Need-based, Amount: Up to $1,500; Contact: Pam Pearlmutter Phone: 215.832.0837 Email: ppearlmutter@jfgp.org
  • Philadelphia – Administered by the federation scholarships are need based. The maximum scholarship is $2,000, 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. Contact: Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, IPC Administrator, Israel and Overseas Center, 2100 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, (215) 832-0837, www.israelprogramscenter.org
  • Pittsburgh: AJL Pittsburgh offers scholarships for up to $1,750 to Jewish teenagers traveling on qualified Israel programs during the summer. Priority is given to first-time visitors to Israel. Applications are reviewed on a first come, first served basis. For information or a scholarship application, contactEfrat Avramovich at 412-521-1101, ext. 302.
  • Pittsburgh: Israel Scholarships Program, Qualifying Type: Incentive, Amount: $1,750
  • Award Name: Passport to Israel, Qualifying Type: Matching, Amount: $800; Contact: Debbie Swartz Phone: 412.992.5208 Email: dswartz@jfedpgh.org
  • Lehigh Valley: Teen Experience Scholarship, Qualifying Type: Incentive grant, Amount: Varies; Contact: Mark Goldstein Phone: 610.821.5500 Email: markg@jflv.org
  • Award Name: Visit Israel Savings Partnership, Qualifying Type: Matching, Amount: Up to $1,600; Contact: Abby Trachtman Phone: 610.821.5500 Email: abbyt@jflv.org


Tennessee

  • Nashville – Administered through the Central Agency for Jewish Education and available to teens and college students. Contact: Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville, (615) 356-3242


Texas

  • Dallas – 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. Contact: Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas (214) 750-6461 www.dallasteentours.com
  • Houston – Administered by the Bureau of Jewish Education and available to all teens and college students. BJE also runs the Gift of Israel program. Contact: BJE Executive Director (713) 729-7000, x 310


Virginia

    <

  • Richmond: Richmond Jewish Foundation Greenberg Israel Scholarship Fund, Qualifying Type: Need-based, Amount: $1,000-$2,000; Contact: Joice Burnette Phone: 804.545.8628 Email: joice@rjfoundation.org
  • Award Name: Israel Scholarship, Qualifying Type: None, Amount: Varies; Contact: Sara Rosenbaum Phone: 804.545.8629 Email: srosenbaum@jewishrichmond.org


Washington State

  • Seattle: The Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle offers scholarships to Jewish teenagers traveling to Israel. Click here to learn more and to find copies of the application.
  • Seattle: Teen Israel Scholarship, Qualifying Type: Need-based, Amount: Varies; Contact: Benjamina Menashe Phone: 206.774.2227 Email: BenjaminaM@jewishinseattle.org
  • Seattle – Administered through the Jewish Education Council. Offers scholarships to students in high school that are traveling to Israel on a financial need basis. Contact: Jewish Education Council, (206) 774-2236, Israel@jewishinseattle.org


Washington, DC

  • The Partnership for Jewish Life and Learning administers Israel Quest, which provides need-based grants for local Jewish teens in grades 9-12 to participate in an approved Israel program. Israel Quest funding is disbursed on a first come, first served basis. Contact IsraelQuest@shalomdc.org for more Information.
  • Washington, DC: Israel Quest Scholarship, Qualifying Type: Need-based, Amount: Varies; Contact: Marla Hurwitz Phone: 301.348.7357 Email: Marla.Hurwitz@shalomdc.org
  • Washington D.C. – Administered by the Federation and available to students studying in Israel and traveling on congregational trips. Contact: Israel Quest, Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, 6101 Montrose Road, Rockville, MD 20852, (301) 230-7200, IsraelQuest@shalomdc.org http://www.shalomdc.org/page.aspx?id=257277


Wisconsin

  • Milwaukee: The Milwaukee Jewish Federation’s Israel Center offers 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 Shaliach (Israeli emissary) in accordance with the program principles. Contact Ro’ee Peled at (414) 390-7505 for more information.
  • Milwaukee – Administered by the Federation through their passport to Israel program for teens on peer travel programs. Contact: Milwaukee Jewish Federation, (414) 390-5700, info@milwaukeejewish.org