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.
Applicant must be at least a sophomore in high school up to age 23 years old and reside or attend school in metropolitan Chicago. Applicant must have applied to or be in the process of applying to an approved Israel program which does not begin until after the application deadline. Applicant must demonstrate leadership abilities. Participation in Jewish communal activities after returning from Israel is strongly encouraged. Previous merit scholarship winners are not eligible to reapply. However, previous applicants who did not receive a merit scholarship may apply again.