EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIPS
Each year, The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee awards education scholarships to qualified applicants attending: College, Community College, Vocational/Technical School or University. Below are the two channels of scholarships we offer.
CHANNEL ONE
NEED-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS
Some scholarships may have their own set of requirements. Below is a list of general requirements for all scholarships.
WHO CAN APPLY?
- Students who identify as Jewish. The only exception is the Robert Michelson Interfaith Scholarship.
- Students seeking enrollment in an undergraduate program at a university, college, community college, vocational school or technical program.
- Students whose families have resided in Sarasota or Manatee county full time for at least two years.
- Expected family contribution (EFC) from FAFSA at, or below, $25,000.*
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
- The primary consideration for these scholarships is financial need. However, a good academic record, involvement in Jewish activities and community service will be evaluated.
*If EFC is greater than $25,000 but you believe you have extenuating circumstances, contact Andrea Eiffert before applying.
Scholarships applications are reviewed by the Federation’s Scholarship Committee, chaired by Marsha Eisenberg.
CHANNEL TWO
NEW! NON-NEED EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIPS
The Jewish Federation is expanding the Education Scholarship Program to include NON-NEED scholarships for the 2018-2019 school year.
Eligible students will be Jewish, and enrolled full-time in a post-secondary undergraduate program. The applicant and his/her parent(s) must be full-time residents in either Sarasota or Manatee county for a minimum of two years. Additionally, ideal candidates will demonstrate leadership qualities, be involved in the local Jewish community and/or pursuing a degree in a field of Jewish study. An essay is required. Top candidates will be interviewed.
OTHER EDUCTIONAL FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
JEWISH EDUCATIONAL LOAN FUND
Applications for interest-free loans for higher education (college, graduate school and vocational programs) are available to Jewish students in your area for the 2018-2019 school year from JELF (Jewish Educational Loan Fund).
From March 1 – April 30 (and from September 1 – September 30), the loan application is available on JELF’s website at jelf.org.
JELF loans are need-based and offer “last-dollar” financing, meaning that JELF provides the final dollars that bridge the gap between a student’s total financial resources and the cost of attending school.
To qualify, applicants must be:
- Enrolled full time in a program leading to a degree or certificate at an accredited U.S. institution
- A U.S. citizen or have lawful immigration status
- Able to demonstrate financial need (2018 FAFSA application required).
For more information, please contact application@jelf.org or visit JELF.org.
IMPORTANT DATES
One $5,000 scholarship is available for a student involved in sports or dance.
Three $4,000 scholarships are awarded and are renewable for a second year.
Six $2,000 scholarships are awarded: 3 to Jewish students, 3 to Christian students.
Five $1,000 scholarships will be awarded.
The number and amount of scholarships varies from year-to-year. Available to students with documented intellectual or physical disabilities, or students majoring in a field to assist individuals with intellectual or physical disabilities.
Three $500 scholarships are available.
The number and amount of scholarships for this program varies from year-to-year.
A number of scholarships in various amounts are available through the following donor trusts:
- Anne and David Anchin Scholarship Fund
- Neil and Sandra Angel Malamud Family Scholarship Fund in Memory of Herbert and Sylvia Angel
- Belle and Herman B. Behrenfeld Scholarship Fund
- Selma and Sydney Flanzbaum Scholarship Fund
- Ruth and David Gorton Scholarship Fund
- Grace and Sam Gorlitz Scholarship Fund
- Jerome and Ruth Kapner Scholarship Fund
- Edith Becker Lilienfeld Scholarship Fund
- Dr. Nelson and Marjorie Newmark Scholarship Fund
- Meyer Sarkin Scholarship Fund
- Schoenbaum Family Scholarship Fund
- Marjorie and Earl Sharff Scholarship Fund
- Helen A. and Newtown H. Sobin Scholarship Fund