Accessing Financial Aid for Your Child’s Gap Year in Israel

This guest post was written exclusively for Pack for Israel by Rabbi Avi Greene Ed.D, the founder of School Shadchan, a service that helps Jewish families find the best fit for college and a Gap Year in Israel.

Embarking on a gap year in Israel can be a transformative experience for your child, fostering personal growth, cultural immersion, and a deepening connection to their Jewish heritage. However, financing such a journey can be daunting. Fortunately, there are several avenues for financial aid available to help make this opportunity a reality. Here’s a guide to accessing financial aid for your child's gap year in Israel:

Your Gap Year/Yeshiva/Seminary/Program

Your preferred program should have scholarships available. Try speaking to them about grants, work studies, “moral loans” (loans which you can pay back over time after spending your time in Israel), or even names of alumni in America who may be interested in your case. Your program will want to know what other scholarships you’re already applying to to make sure it’s a team effort.

Local Jewish Federation and Synagogue Resources

• Contact your local Jewish Federation and inquire about scholarship programs they offer. Use this link to locate the Federation in your area.
• Explore your synagogue's resources, including the Rabbi’s discretionary funds, for potential financial assistance.

Oorah Shteigers program - For students going to Yeshiva or Seminary

• Shteigers is an enriching program that runs alongside your yeshiva or seminary. While you’re spending a year in the Holy Land, learning and soaking in everything you can, they will be there to enhance your year and support you in every way, big and small. From financial aid to help with Shabbos plans! Your adventure begins with a dynamic 2-week summer program at DiscoverU, designed to prepare you for the year ahead. Once you arrive in Israel, they will set you up with a personal mentor and a range of other supportive services tailored to make your year both fulfilling and memorable.
• https://www.shteigers.org/index.php#financial

Hebrew Free Loan Programs

• Investigate Jewish Free Loan programs, which offer interest-free loans for educational purposes.
• https://jewishmiami.org/hfla/

Masa Israel Funding

• Apply for funding through Masa Israel for gap year programs (not affiliated with yeshivas or seminaries).
• https://www.masaisrael.org/funding/apply-for-masa/

AZM Scholarship

• Apply for the Helyn B. Reich Memorial Scholarship Fund.
• https://azm.org/hbr/

Israel Scholarship Committee of the Foundation for Jewish Philanthropies

• A limited amount of financial assistance for travel and study in Israel. Students participating in approved programs will be eligible for assistance based upon financial need.
• https://jewishphilanthropies.org/israel-scholarships/

Jeff Seidel Student Scholarships

• Explore scholarships offered by Jeff Seidel’s Jewish Student Information Center, particularly for Birthright and Hillel alumni.
• https://jeffseidel.com/scholarships-to-israel/

American Jewish League

• AJLI chooses scholars based on candidates’ scholarship application and materials. These scholars receive a partial tuition grant paid directly to their university.
• https://americanjewishleague.org/scholarships/

Atzum

• Grants of up to $5,000 each for full-year study in a co-educational institution of higher learning in Israel. Preference will be given to students who have little or no previous experience in Israel. First priority will be given to students who demonstrate financial need.
• https://atzum.org/volunteer

FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

• Complete the FAFSA application to access federal grants and loans for US citizens participating in Joint Israel programs with YU/Stern or Touro Colleges.
• https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa

Rabbi Benzion Klatzko, National Director of College Outreach for NCSY

• Offers airfare and tuition scholarships for students to go to Israel. The amount of the tuition scholarship depends on the need.
• To apply, email Rabbi Klatzko directly at sagewannabe@aol.com, and CC RabbiArieh@NCSY.org.

The Dorot Foundation

• Provides travel grants to accredited Israeli colleges and universities.
• https://dorot.org/

Birthright Israel Extension Options

• Your child can participate in a Birthright trip and explore extension options for staying in Israel for an extended period. This may be a way to pay for the flight.
• https://www.birthrightisrael.com/extend/returnticket

Specialized Scholarships and Funds

• Look into specialized scholarship funds such as the Amy Adine Schulman Scholarship Fund for young adults who volunteer or intern for progressive social action projects or programs.
• https://amyadinaschulmanfund.org/

National Honor Society and College Scholarships

• Encourage your child to explore scholarship opportunities through organizations like the National Honor Society and online databases such as Fastweb and Scholarships.com.
• https://www.scholarships.com/

Community Organizations and Online Resources

• Utilize online resources like GoAbroad.com, Studentawards.com, bid4papers.com, ninjaessays.com, rotary.org, and scholarships4moms to search for additional funding sources.

Start Your Search Early

Remember to start your search early and thoroughly research each opportunity to determine eligibility and application requirements. By leveraging these resources, you can help make your child's gap year in Israel a reality, enriching their educational journey and fostering a lifelong connection to their heritage.