The Jewish United Fund offers a limited number of merit scholarships ($1,000 each) annually to high school students, college students, and young adults up to age 23 who demonstrate significant leadership skills. The purpose of these scholarships is to strengthen Jewish identity, nourish greater commitment to Israel and the Chicago Jewish community, and to recognize future leaders.
Scholarship Details
- Administered by the Jewish United Fund
- Annual merit scholarships of $1,000 each
- Open to high school, college students, and young adults up to age 23
- Supports participation in approved Israel programs beginning after the application deadline
- Designed to strengthen Jewish identity and leadership within the Chicago Jewish community
- Merit-based; financial need is not considered
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicant must be at least a high school sophomore and no older than 23 years old
- Must reside in or attend school within metropolitan Chicago
- Must have applied to or be applying to an approved Israel program that begins after the application deadline
- Must demonstrate strong leadership skills and potential
- Participation in Jewish communal activities after returning from Israel is encouraged
- Previous recipients are not eligible to reapply, but prior non-recipients may apply again
Application Process
- Complete the online scholarship application before the March 15 deadline
- Submit one letter of recommendation using the designated recommender form
- Ensure the Israel program begins in summer, fall, or the academic year following the deadline
- Wait for notification in early May after the Scholarship Committee meets
- Note that applications are not reviewed on a rolling basis, and early submission does not affect notification timing
Scholarship applications are due March 15 for summer, fall, and academic year programs. The selection process is extremely competitive. Financial status is not considered in the merit scholarship process. Applicants will be notified in early May, following the meeting of the Scholarship Committee. Applications are not considered on a rolling basis, so early submission of a scholarship application will not change the notification date.
