Jewish Scholarships

Jewish female high school seniors or graduates beginning their first year at a four-year California college or university who are permanent Bay Area residents may apply through the Jewish Federation's unified college scholarship application. Awards are up to $5,000 based on merit and financial need. You need a minimum cumulative high school GPA of 3.5, involvement in athletics, demonstrated financial need, and evidence of practicing Jewish values of tzedakah and tikkun olam.

Jewish Eagle Scouts in their final year of accredited high school who are active Scouts BSA or Venturing members, synagogue members with the Ner Tamid or Etz Chaim emblem, and who demonstrate financial need and practical citizenship. One-time $5,000 award. FAFSA is required. Apply through the Jewish Committee on Scouting Eagle Scout scholarships page.

Jewish women who are members of a CUNY Hillel, enrolled full-time at a CUNY college as freshmen with at least three academic years (six semesters) remaining, hold a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA, and demonstrate financial need may apply. The cohort receives $4,000 per year during sophomore, junior, and senior years, plus a paid summer internship between sophomore and junior years and access to professional development and mentorship. Apply through your campus Hillel or the program website. The JFEW Scholarship supports young women advancing toward fulfilling, self-sufficient futures with minimal debt.

Jewish students with financial need pursuing careers in helping professions may apply. Applicants must have been born and raised in the Chicago metropolitan area (Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, Will counties, plus Lake County, Indiana) or have one continuous year of full-time employment in the metro area before enrollment, and intend to return after completing school. Eligible students are entering junior or senior year of an accredited bachelor's program, or entering a full-time accredited graduate program in a qualifying helping profession for the upcoming academic year. Scholarships range up to $4,000 and may be renewed for students who continue to meet criteria. School acceptance is not required at time of application. Applications for 2025-2026 are closed; the program reopens annually in fall for the next academic year. Contact scholarships@juf.org for questions. The Jewish United Fund of Metropolitan Chicago administers these academic scholarships through JVS Career and Employment as part of its community education support.

Jewish undergraduate and graduate students who are permanent residents of Sonoma, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, or northern Santa Clara counties with a minimum 3.0 unweighted GPA, demonstrated financial need, and meaningful Jewish community involvement may apply. Educational grants range from $500 to $3,000. Qualified students are also considered for subsidized loans. You must have a FAFSA on file. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until funds are awarded. JFCS helps hundreds of Jewish students each year offset college, graduate, vocational, and other accredited program costs.

Jewish U.S. citizens age 17 or older with a GPA of 3.5 or higher, enrolled at an accredited U.S. college or university as an undergraduate or graduate student. One $1,000 award. Submit proof of enrollment, proof of GPA, contact information, and either a three-minute video or a 750-word essay on something you have learned through Judaism that has helped you become a better leader. Offered by Diamant Gerstein, LLC to recognize Jewish students who demonstrate outstanding leadership and community commitment.