Youth
Youth programming Info
PJ Library
PJ Our way
Overnight Camp Grants
Religious School Scholarships
Youth
Programming
At Federation we believe that engaging the youngest members of our community is the key to securing a bright Jewish future. All of our youth programming opportunities are designed to support families with children from birth through age 13.
Shelly
Youth & Family Coordinator
Program Details
PJ Library provides FREE age-appropriate books that bring families together to explore Jewish culture, traditions, and values on their own terms. To enhance the experience, the Federation also offers fun programs designed to engage the whole family, including Shabbat and holiday celebrations.
Activities
PJ Library is more than just books and music! Watch for opportunities to join in on story hours and other special programs throughout the year where you and your kids can have fun learning and making new friends.
Age Requirements
PJ Library is open to children 6 months to 8 years old.
Program Details
PJ Our Way is the next chapter of PJ Library, allowing older children to select one of four PJ Educator, parent- and kid-approved books every month, giving them more choice on their journey as life-long readers while introducing them to Jewish culture and ideas.
Activities
Participants can create book trailers, videos, quizzes, author interviews, and other media to communicate with peers about the books they’ve read. Participants are invited to attend at least three fun social events per year where they can interact with their peers. Budding ‘tween leaders can even become part of the PJOW Design Team, helping to plan the social events for our local PJ Our Way subscribers.
Age Requirements
PJ Our Way is designed for kids ages 9 to 12.
Overnight Camp Grants
Program Details
Participation in Jewish overnight camp creates friendships and memories that can last a lifetime. In partnership with local philanthropists, the Federation offers grants so that any qualified Jewish child can have fun while learning to value their Jewish heritage.
Grant Guidelines
Need-based Grants
- Need-based scholarships are available for children attending non-profit Jewish overnight camps
- The Wides Summer Camp Scholarship provides a limited number of grants to children attending camps designed to accommodate kids with special needs.
Incentive Grants
- All families with children who meet eligibility criteria can apply for a $500 incentive grant.
- Funding is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Families who have made a contribution to The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee annual campaign within the past 12 months will be given priority.
Eligibility
Parent(s) and child(ren) must be Jewish, must have resided in Sarasota or Manatee County for the past year, and must be legal residents of the United States.
Religious School Scholarships
Scholarship Details
A religious education can have a profoundly positive impact on our children and their Jewish identity. The Jewish Federation will continue to support religious school education for families in need. Scholarships are distributed through each religious school. To help make religious school a reality for every child, we offer need-based scholarship assistance for residents of Sarasota and Manatee counties. These funds are intended to supplement your own funding as well as contributions from other sources, such as your synagogue. Please contact your religious school for more details.
Grant Guidelines
Grant applications are not yet being accepted for the coming school year. Please watch this space for updated information.
Financial information must be complete to be considered.
All applications and supporting materials are held in strict confidence
Scholarship funds provided by the Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee are made possible through the generosity of our community.
Eligibility
Scholarships are available only to residents of Sarasota or Manatee Counties and are awarded based on financial need.