Jewish United Fund Israel Experience Merit Scholarship

About this scholarship

The Jewish United Fund of Metropolitan Chicago offers a limited number of $1,000 merit scholarships for Chicago-area students and young adults participating in approved educational programs in Israel. The program is intended to strengthen Jewish identity, deepen understanding of Israel, and encourage continuing engagement with the Chicago Jewish community. Applicants must be at least a high-school sophomore and no older than 23, and they must live or attend school in metropolitan Chicago. Before applying, the student must have applied—or be in the process of applying—to an approved Israel program that starts after the scholarship deadline. Eligible experiences begin during the summer or fall and may include an academic-year program. Selection emphasizes demonstrated leadership, community service and involvement, and the likely impact of the Israel experience; financial status is not considered for this merit award. Previous winners may not receive the scholarship again, although applicants who were not selected in an earlier year may reapply. The live online application is linked directly from JUF’s official scholarship page. Applicants also need a recommendation letter and should read the sponsor’s current guidelines before submitting. Applications are due annually on March 15, and decisions are normally sent in early May. Applying early does not change the review date because applications are not evaluated on a rolling basis.

Eligibility

• Be at least a high-school sophomore and no older than 23 when applying
• Live or attend school in metropolitan Chicago
• Apply or be in the process of applying to an approved Israel program
• Choose a program that begins after the scholarship deadline and during the summer, fall, or academic year
• Demonstrate leadership ability and meaningful community involvement
• Have not previously won this JUF merit scholarship
• Submit the online application and recommendation letter by March 15