Indianapolis Bureau of Jewish Education Jewish Studies Scholarship

About this scholarship

The Indianapolis Bureau of Jewish Education Jewish Studies Scholarship is an annual $1,800 merit award administered under the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis. It serves a graduating high school senior who has been accepted to postsecondary education and has continued formal and informal Jewish learning after B’nai Mitzvah. Selection focuses on sustained study—such as confirmation, Hebrew classes, or accredited online Jewish coursework—along with leadership in Jewish education through youth groups, camps, synagogues, schools, or similar community settings. The recipient should also intend to deepen Jewish learning in college through Jewish Studies coursework, an Israel study experience, or another formal educational path, and be prepared to share that learning as a mentor or community leader. Applications are accepted annually from January 1 through April 1. The official packet requests a cover sheet with contact, school, planned college, and GPA information; descriptions of the applicant’s Jewish education and teaching or leadership roles; a short essay about post-high-school Jewish study and personal goals; and at least two recommendations from educators, rabbis, cantors, youth-group directors, or program directors. Finalists interview with the committee. The scholarship is not need-based, and the Federation expects to make the award in early June.

Eligibility

• Be a graduating high school senior accepted to or planning to attend postsecondary education
• Have participated in formal Jewish learning after B’nai Mitzvah
• Demonstrate teaching, leadership, or service in Jewish learning or education settings
• Plan to continue formal Jewish learning during college or university
• Submit descriptions of Jewish educational experiences and leadership roles
• Submit a short essay explaining post-high-school Jewish education plans and personal goals
• Provide at least two recommendations from qualifying Jewish-community or education leaders
• Participate in a committee interview if selected as a finalist