Scholarships at Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership

The Spertus Chicago Scholarship invests in greater Chicago's Jewish community by helping local communal professionals afford graduate study at Spertus Institute. Funded by an anonymous donor, the award provides up to $2,000 for employees of Jewish organizations in the Chicago area who are accepted into the MA in Jewish Professional Studies or Executive MA in Jewish Professional Studies. Spertus describes the scholarship as a home-community investment in education, training, and leadership development for professionals serving Chicago Jewish life. Funds are limited and may stack with other Spertus fellowship or scholarship support for eligible MAJPS and EMAJPS students. Prospective applicants should contact Spertus recruitment for current availability and application steps after admission.

The Certificate in Jewish Leadership Scholarship offers need-based support for professionals, trustees, and lay leaders enrolled in Spertus Institute's Certificate in Jewish Leadership, presented in partnership with Northwestern University. The certificate program costs $2,500 total, and professionals on staff at a Jewish organization may apply for scholarship funding of up to $500 toward that tuition. Spertus notes that participants in special subsidized cohorts are not eligible for this additional funding. The program runs through interactive online sessions over roughly three months and is designed for busy Jewish organizational leaders seeking practical leadership training. Scholarship availability is limited and subject to eligibility review after admission to the certificate cohort.

Midcareer Jewish communal professionals applying to Spertus Institute's MA or Executive MA in Jewish Professional Studies may qualify for Midcareer Fellowships, which provide tuition subsidies. Award amounts vary. Limited fellowship funds are granted first-come, first-served based on demonstrated need, academic achievement, and promise. Applicants must be at least five years past their undergraduate degree, have spent three years in Jewish communal service, and currently work in a Jewish organization at least 15 hours per week. The fellowship application is embedded in the program admission application.