Scholarships for Jewish Students: A Comprehensive Guide

For Jewish students seeking financial assistance for higher education, numerous scholarships and fellowships are available. These opportunities recognize academic achievements, leadership qualities, community involvement, and financial need. This article provides a detailed overview of various scholarships specifically designed for Jewish students, encompassing undergraduate, graduate, and specialized programs.

General Scholarships and Awards

Several scholarships cater to Jewish students regardless of their specific field of study. These awards often consider a combination of academic merit, financial need, and involvement in Jewish community activities.

Scholarships360 Opportunities

Scholarships360 offers a range of scholarships, including the $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship, open to all students seeking financial aid for education. While not exclusively for Jewish students, active engagement with the Scholarships360 platform can increase the chances of winning. This scholarship has rolling monthly application deadlines, with earlier applicants having a greater chance of success.

Niche $25,000 No Essay Scholarship

Niche offers a $25,000 No Essay Scholarship, providing a significant financial boost to college students. The winner is selected by random drawing, making it an accessible opportunity for all students.

SoFi Monthly Scholarship

SoFi provides a monthly scholarship of $2,500 for students enrolled or planning to enroll at an accredited institution. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older.

Read also: Camp Scholarships Guide

Sallie Monthly Scholarship

Sallie awards $2,000 each month to eligible entrants, providing ongoing opportunities for students to receive financial assistance.

Scholarships Based on Location

Many scholarships are geographically restricted, targeting Jewish students residing in specific regions.

San Francisco Bay Area Scholarships

The Jewish Community Federation & Endowment Fund offers several scholarships for Jewish students residing in the San Francisco Bay Area of California. These include:

The Elaine and Barry Gilbert College Scholarship: Awards need- and merit-based scholarships to Jewish high school seniors and current college students. Preference is given to students attending schools in the University of California (UC) system, California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, or Hillsdale College in Michigan.
The Nathan J. and Virginia H. Friedman College Scholarship: Provides need- and merit-based scholarships to Jewish high school seniors and graduates.
The Samuel Joseph & Marvin Anmuth Memorial Scholarship: A need-based award for Jewish high school seniors or graduates.
The Gail Karp Orgell Scholarship: Awards need- and merit-based scholarships to Jewish female graduating high school seniors and college freshmen.
Alexander M. and June L. Maisin Scholarship: Worth up to $3,500, is meant to support Jewish high school seniors and college students residing in specific counties in California.

Most of these scholarship opportunities are for Jewish students who are permanent residents of the nine Bay Area counties, including San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Alameda, Contra Costa, Solano, Marin, Napa, and Sonoma. Most of these scholarships are available for renewal. Awards are available to graduating high school seniors, currently enrolled undergraduates, re-entry students, and graduate students.

Colorado Scholarships

Several scholarships are available for Jewish residents of Colorado:

Read also: Benefits of NSHSS Scholarships

The Judy Alterman Memorial Scholarship: Open to residents of Colorado who are of the Jewish faith.
The NCJW Colorado Section Scholarship: Open to female Jewish residents of Colorado who are enrolled or planning to enroll in a college or university.
The Protaska Scholarship: Also open to female Jewish residents of Colorado who are enrolled or planning to enroll in a college or university.
The Striker Scholarship: Available to female Jewish residents of Colorado.
The Sue Kaufman Memorial Scholarship: Open to female Jewish residents of Colorado who are enrolled or planning to enroll in a college or university.

Hampton Roads, Virginia: Stein Family Scholarship

The Stein Family Scholarship awards up to $15,000 to multiple college-bound, Jewish high school graduates residing in Hampton Roads, Virginia

Chicago Metropolitan Area and Lake County, Indiana

The Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago Academic Scholarship Program offers scholarship funds to help Jewish college and graduate students offset some of their financial burden. To be eligible, applicants must be Jewish, been born and raised in the Chicago metropolitan area (Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will counties), including Lake County, Indiana or had one continuous year of full-time employment in the Chicago metro area prior to enrollment, intend to return to the Chicago metropolitan area after completing school, and are entering their last two years of an undergraduate program or entering an accredited graduate program in the upcoming academic year.

Northeastern New York

Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York (JFedNENY) has a limited number of scholarships, each of which has specific eligibility requirements.

Scholarships Based on Affiliations

Some scholarships are specifically for members of Jewish organizations or those affiliated with specific institutions.

Alpha Epsilon Phi (AEPhi) Sorority

Applicants for undergraduate scholarships MUST be initiated members of Alpha Epsilon Phi (AEPhi) who are rising juniors and seniors. All applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and will be scored based on academic performance, chapter, campus, community activities, and financial need.

Read also: Scholarship Guide

Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity

For members of Sigma Alpha Mu with Daughters who are in or will be attending college, and working toward a degree in Fall 2025, the William P. Schwartz Scholarships and the Weiss Brothers Scholarship for Daughters of Fratres are available. The amount of these scholarships varies (range is $500-$1500) and are based on financial need.

Eagle Scout Scholarships

The National Jewish Committee on Scouting offers scholarships for male Jewish Boy Scouts:

The Chester M. Vernon Memorial Eagle Scout Scholarship: Provides financial assistance for college to male Jewish Boy Scouts who demonstrate financial need.
The Frank L. Weil Memorial Eagle Scout Scholarship: Provides financial assistance for college to male Jewish Boy Scouts.

Scholarships for Specific Fields of Study

Certain scholarships target students pursuing specific academic disciplines, often within Jewish studies or related fields.

Judaic Studies Scholarships

Harold Schnitzer Family Scholarship (Portland State University): This scholarship is for current or incoming undergraduate Portland State University students majoring in Judaic studies. The scholarship covers more than half the costs of tuition and fees and is awarded to nearly 20 students yearly. It pays between $5,000 and $7,000 per year, spread out over the course of your undergraduate experience (up to four years).
Charlotte Susan Roth Memorial Fund Essay Contest (Ohio State University): Open to students at Ohio State University who have written a paper on a topic related to Jewish studies. The top applicant receives a $750 award, and the second-place applicant receives $500. The essay must be a minimum of 1,500 words and written during the fall or spring semester at OSU.
Morris and Fannie Skilken Family Foundation Endowment Fund Scholarship (Ohio State University): Open to any Ohio State University student who has completed at least one course in Jewish studies. The $2,000 scholarship is awarded to up to two students per year.
Emily and George Severinghaus Beck Education Abroad Scholarship (Ohio State University): This scholarship gives priority to Ohio State University students demonstrating financial need who are planning on studying Yiddish and/or Jewish studies. The scholarship awards $2,000 to up to two students each year who are accepted to relevant Yiddish studies programs.

Research Scholarships

Abraham S. and Jack Kessler Fellowship: This fellowship supports original doctoral or post-doctoral research in the field of Lithuanian Jewish history for a period of two to three months of research at the YIVO Library and Archives.

Scholarships for Future Educators

Stephanie G. Hoffman Scholarship: This scholarship awards up to $5,000 to multiple current and incoming Jewish postsecondary students residing in the Bay Area who are majoring in library science, English, literature, education, or related fields with the intention of working with underserved children.

Leadership and Community Involvement Scholarships

Some scholarships emphasize leadership abilities and commitment to community service.

Behrman Campus Leadership Award: This award is for Jewish bachelor's degree students who demonstrate extraordinary leadership abilities.
Helen Diller Family Foundation Award: Every year, the Helen Diller Family Foundation awards up to 15 Jewish teens with $36,000 each for their leadership efforts to change the world. From the environment to social justice to access to education and beyond, these young people are tackling big challenges in their communities and having tremendous impact.

Scholarships for Immersive Jewish Experiences and Day School Education

Several scholarships support immersive Jewish experiences and day school education.

The UJA Day School Tuition Fund: This fund is designed to broaden access to Jewish day school education and support families seeking a deeper connection to Jewish life. The program officially launches this fall, with tuition support beginning in the 2026-2027 school year.
The Rose Biller Day School Scholarship Fund: Supports students at day schools and yeshivot with financial need in UJA's catchment area: the five boroughs of New York City, Westchester, and Long Island.
The Immersive Jewish Experience Scholarship (IJEX): Provides needs-based and modest incentive scholarships for short-term, immersive Jewish programs to New York, Westchester, and Long Island-based teens and young adults. The goal of these scholarships is to make both Israel and domestic experiences available and accessible.

Scholarships for Writing

Kaplun Essay Contest: Open to Jewish students who submit an essay about their role within and relationship to Judaism, the scholarship annually awards $1,800 to the first-place winners in both the Level 1 (Grades 7-9) and Level 2 (Grades 10-12) categories.

Additional Scholarship Resources

Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh Central Scholarships: The JSS helps Jewish high school seniors or students enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate, or technical school with demonstrated financial need.
Helen G. Simon Family Foundation and Tidewater Jewish Foundation (TJF): TJF administers grants and other funding opportunities, connecting individuals with a diverse array of opportunities supported by our generous network of programs and foundations. From education and travel to community growth and innovation, TJF grants and scholarships enrich various facets of Jewish life and identity.

Scholarship Application Tips

When applying for scholarships, it is essential to present yourself as a well-rounded individual with strong academic credentials, leadership experience, and a commitment to your community. Here are some tips to increase your chances of success:

Meet the Eligibility Criteria: Carefully review the eligibility requirements for each scholarship and only apply for those you meet.
Highlight Academic Achievements: Provide transcripts and test scores that demonstrate your academic abilities.
Showcase Leadership Skills: Describe your leadership roles in school, extracurricular activities, or community organizations.
Emphasize Community Involvement: Share your experiences volunteering or participating in community service projects.
Demonstrate Financial Need: If the scholarship considers financial need, provide detailed information about your family's financial situation.
Write a Compelling Essay: If an essay is required, take the time to write a well-written and engaging piece that showcases your personality and goals.
Obtain Strong Letters of Recommendation: Ask teachers, mentors, or community leaders who know you well to write letters of recommendation that highlight your strengths and accomplishments.
Submit a Complete Application: Ensure that you have included all required documents and information in your application.
Meet Deadlines: Pay close attention to application deadlines and submit your application on time.

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