Financial Aid

There are many generous local and national scholarships available through several agencies designed to bring Jewish teens to Israel. Your local Federation, affiliated synagogue, or other community agencies might also offer scholarships to attend AMHSI, such as local Passport to Israel programs. Below are some various subsidies and scholarship opportunities of which we are aware (this information subject to change). If you do not see your local Federation listed below, check out the National Federation Directory to contact your local agency for more information.

AMHSI also has a National Scholarship Committee which awards grants to qualifying students on a need-basis. You can download the application here and return directly to the National Office.

AMHSI will do all in its power to secure funding and scholarships to enable you to come to Israel for the experience of a lifetime. For more information on any scholarship and financial aid opportunities, please contact your regional Director of Admissions who can guide you to local resources.

Some other opportunities to keep in mind:

- Limited time referral promotion: (for enrolling applicants)

Have you already decided to attend AMHSI? Now just bring your friends along with you! For each enrolled participant that you refer to AMHSI you can receive $100 off your tuition. That’s right, earn money for having your friends join you for the experience of a lifetime! Refer as many friends as you like to any session - there is no limit to how much you can earn toward your own tuition!
*Offer valid only to AMHSI participants; NOT Dayschool or community group participants.

-JNF's Plant Your Way to Israel

JNF's Plant Your Way to Israel is a fun program for youth to raise funds for travel on Israel programs by planting trees. JNF also offers the Milton Shapiro Scholarship.

REGIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Akron, Ohio

The Israel Incentive Savings Program (IISP) is a three-way partnership between a family, its congregation and the Jewish Community Board of Akron. The program is designed to assist families in sending their children on an organized Israel experience program. Teen trips are strongly encouraged, but IISP members can travel any time from 10th grade until the age of 26. Contact 330-869-2424 for more information.

Albany, New York

For high-school students entering 10th, 11th, or 12th grades who are permanent residents of New York City, Nassau, Suffolk, or Westchester and planning to participate in one of the many approved Israel programs, The Federation of New York offers need-based scholarships and merit awards. Check with your local synagogue too for special funding by your Rabbi. All Israel scholarships available from Northeastern New York are need-based. The applicant must reside in Northeastern New York (Albany, Schenectady, Troy, Saratoga Springs, Glens Falls or the areas immediately surrounding these locations). Contact Deborah Chapman Goldstein at (518) 783-7800 ext. 230 for more information.

Allentown, Pennsylvania

The Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley offers scholarships to local teens in grades 9-12 for approved trips to Israel and other Jewish educational summer programs. Contact Mark Goldstein at (610) 821-5500 for more information.

Atlanta, Georgia

The Israel Experience program of the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta offers two types of financial assistance to local young adults between the ages of 15 and 26 who will be participating on an approved program. Contact Ebony Robin at (404) 870-1615 for more information.

Baltimore, Maryland

The Center for Jewish Education's Community Fund for Israel Experiences provides stipends of various amounts to local Jewish teenagers. Applications are reviewed on a first-come first-served basis. Contact the CFI office at (410) 735-5016 for more information.

Berkshires (Pittsfield), Massachusetts

The Jewish Federation of the Berkshires administers the Michael Nathaniel Shute Endowment Fund which provides scholarships for youth trips to Israel. Recipients are selected based on demonstrations of community involvement, educational interest and financial need. Contact Arlene Schiff at (413) 442-4360 ext. 12 for more information.

Birmingham, Alabama

The Birmingham Jewish Foundation has a scholarship fund available for teen and young adult Israel trips. It is a need-based scholarship program and a limited amount of money is available. Applicants are referred to the Jewish Family Services for a needs assessment. Contact Sally Friedman at (205) 803-1519 for more information.

Boca Raton (South Palm Beach County), Florida

Administered by the Jewish Education Commission of the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County and available to high school students who study in Israel. Scholarships given are either $500 or $1000. Contact Zehava Zeldin at (561) 852-6000 for more information or contact AMHSI Director of Admissions, Robin Agronin.

Boston, Massachusetts

The Combined Jewish Philanthropies provides scholarships and financial assistance for teenagers traveling to Israel. Contact Will Corrdin with your questions at (617) 457-8556.

Broward County, Florida

Information on need-based financial assistance is administered through the Orloff Central Agency for Jewish Education (CAJE) Israel Experience Center. Contact the Israel Experience Center at (954) 660-2070 for more information.

Buffalo, New York

The Israel Scholarship Committee of the Foundation for Jewish Philanthropies administers a limited amount of financial assistance for high school students to travel and study in Israel. Students participating in approved programs will be eligible for assistance for the upcoming summer based upon financial need. Grants are restricted to Jewish individuals who reside in the Western New York area. Contact Rita Goldman at (877) 933-6369 for more information.

Chicago, Illinois

The Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago and the Jewish United Fund offer need-based and merit scholarships for high school students traveling to Israel. Applicants must live or attend school in the Chicago area. Call (312) 444-2895 or (312) 444-2904 or e-mail them for more information.

Cincinnati, Ohio

The Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati offers Jewish high school students up to $6,000 for travel to Israel on a minimum three-week organized educational peer trip. Students must be from Cincinnati and between the ages of 16 and 23. Contact Barbara Miller at (513) 985-1528 for more information.

Cleveland, Ohio

The Jewish Education Center of Cleveland offers financial aid to local teenagers who travel to Israel on a JECC approved program. Contact Helen Wolf at (216) 371-0446 for further information.

Columbus, Ohio

The Columbus Jewish Federation provides every Jewish teenager in Central Ohio up to $1,500 from the Columbus Jewish Federation towards an educational trip to Israel. The Federation also provides additional need-based scholarships. Contact Nancy Rosen at (614) 559-3250 for more information.

Dallas, Texas

The Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas scholarship offers need-based scholarships to students between the ages of 16-26, from Dallas and participating in a trip of at least 10 days that includes some education and some touring of Israel. There is no deadline for application. Contact Sheila Gardner at (214)-239-7131 for more information.

Danbury, Connecticut

The Teen Israel Experience program is open to all Jewish youth entering grades 9-12. This program is appropriate for applicants who must be identified as Jewish and who reside in the jurisdiction of the Jewish Federation. Only those programs approved by the UJC (United Jewish Communities) are suitable for scholarship applications. There is a $1000 cap on merit scholarships and a $2000 cap on financial scholarships, therefore the maximum award for any applicant is $3000. There is no minimum grant. Recipients of the Israel Teen Experience Scholarship are required to "give back" by promoting the program through such means as speaking before synagogue youth groups and/or addressing the Board of Directors of the Jewish Federation. Contact the Federation at (203) 792-6353 for more information.

Delaware

The Jewish Federation of Delaware makes grants to high school students between 15-17 years of age. Contact Ruth Rosenberg at (302) 427-2100 ext. 17 for more information.

Detroit, Michigan

The Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit's Israel and Overseas Department offers scholarships for local Jewish teenagers traveling on approved programs to Israel. The Department offers both scholarships and trip subsidies. Contact Amy Neistein, Associate Director, at (248) 205-2543 for more information.

East Bay, California

The Israel Center awards scholarships to East Bay high school students who are planning to attend specific organized programs in Israel. These scholarships are based on financial need. Download the application on their website, or contact Polly Zavadivker at (510) 839-2900 ext. 210 for more information.

Greensboro, North Carolina

Greensboro's Israel Experience Grant Program offers scholarships to community members ages 16-23 for a first time, peer community trip in high school or college. Contact Rachel Wolf at (336) 852-5433 ext. 229 for more information. There are also a limited number of scholarships based on need and merit offered through the Jacke W. and Lottie K. Samet Israel Experience Scholarship Fund. For more information contact Marcia Hermelin at (336) 852-4829 ext. 222.

Hartford, Connecticut

The Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford in partnership with the Commission on Jewish Education and Leadership offers scholarships of at least $500 to local teens. Contact Jo LaRocco at 860-727-6139 for more details.

Houston, Texas

The Jewish Federation of Greater Houston's Bureau of Jewish Education offers scholarships and grants to families who need assistance in order to enable their children to participate in Jewish educational experiences, such as peer-group trips to Israel. For more information, contact Paulette Walden at (713) 729-7000, ext. 309.

Indianapolis, Indiana

The Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis administers need-based scholarship funds available to local Jewish youth in grades 9-12. For more information, contact Patti at (317) 726-5450.

Kansas City, Kansas

The Central Agency for Jewish Education administers scholarships for local Jewish teens traveling to Israel. Contact Elinore Penner at (913) 327-8142 for more information.

Las Vegas, Nevada

The Jewish Federation of Las Vegas administers a merit-based scholarship program funded by a partnership of the Welt Fund, the Eisenberg Fund and the Wilner Fund, three local philanthropies. Youth aged 11-21 may apply and their awards may be used towards Israel programs. For more information contact Marjorie Griebel at (702) 732-0556.

Lexington, Kentucky

Scholarships for Israel Experience programs are available through the Central Kentucky Jewish Federation. Applicants must participate in programs with a Jewish and/or Israel educational component and a minimum of 10 days in Israel. Applications are review by a special committee and are strictly confidential. Scholarships are awarded on a first come first served basis. Contact the Israel Scholarship Committee at (859) 269-8244.

Los Angeles, California

The Jewish Federation of Los Angeles provides assistance in locating scholarships and financial assistance to area teens traveling to Israel. The Federation directly provides a number of scholarships and fund matching programs to qualified teens. Contact Beth Singer at (323) 761-8342 for more information.

Memphis, Tennesee

The Memphis Jewish Federation offers subsidies of $2,500 to any local sophomore or junior traveling on an approved trip to Israel during the summer. In cases of proven financial need, the subsidy can be increased to $3,500. Contact Gerri Patterson, Director of Education and Israel Programs at (901) 767-7100 for more information.

Merrimack Valley, MA

The Merrimack Valley Jewish Federation offers grants of $250 to local teens traveling to Israel on an approved summer program. The Federation also administers a Gift of Israel incentive savings program. For more information, contact Laurie Mindlin at (978) 688-0466.

Metrowest, New Jersey

United Jewish Communities of Metro West offers a variety of scholarships to local teens traveling to Israel on approved summer programs. Participants must participate in pre-trip educational sessions and be a resident of MetroWest. Qualified participants receive $750 and may receive an additional $250 if their synagogue contributes. Contact Alan Gerberg at (973) 929-3038 for more information.

Miami, Florida

The Greater Miami Jewish Federation offers grants and financial aid to Jewish teens traveling to Israel. Contact the Israel Programs department at (305) 576-4000 ext. 495 for more information or contact AMHSI Director of Admissions, Orlie Braha.

Middlesex County, New Jersey

The Jewish Federation of Greater Middlesex County offers $1,000 grants to local teens entering grades 10-12 for an approved Israel travel program. Contact Susan Antman at (732) 432-7711 for more information.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

The Milwaukee Jewish Federation's Israel Center has established an incentive program for young people to visit Israel, as well as scholarships for Jewish camps and travel programs. The distribution of the fund is managed by the Shlicha in accordance with the program principles. Contact Rakefet Ginsburg at (414) 390-5722 for more information.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

The Louis Herman Israel Experience Fund offers grants to Jewish teens aged 15-18 to travel on approved Israel programs. Teens who receive grants will be asked to volunteer in the Jewish community upon their return, as a way to "give back" and share their experience with others. Contact Eilat Harel at (952) 381-3552 for more information.

Monmouth County, New Jersey

The Jewish Federation of Monmouth County offers a travel stipend of $500 per high school student through the Continuity Commission. Contact Ann Goldman at (732) 531-6200 for more information.

Montreal, Quebec

The Bronfman Israel Experience Centre offers a limited amount of need-based financial assistance for travel on approved Israel programs. For more information, contact Dayna Schwartz at (514) 345-6449, ext 3052.

Nashville, Tennessee

The Jewish Federation of Nashville offers need-based scholarships for trips to Israel for students in the 10th through 12th grades. In addition, the Mary & Harry Zimmerman Youth Exchange Endowment Fund supports an Israel Incentive Grant for 8-12th graders For more information on how to apply for these opportunities, please contact Steve Edelstein, Executive Director.

New Bedford, Massachusetts

The Jewish Federation of Greater New Bedford invites applications for financial assistance for high school students to travel in Israel. Students participating in approved programs will be eligible for assistance for the upcoming summer regardless of financial need. Grants are available for Jewish individuals who reside in the Greater New Bedford area. Contact Olga Yorish at (508) 997-7471 for more information.

New Haven, Connecticut

The Jewish Federation of Greater Hew Haven provides scholarships to local Jewish teens who travel on authorized summer programs to Israel. Contact the Israel Desk at (203) 387-2424 for more information.

New Jersey - Northern

The UJA Federation of Northern New Jersey's Israel Program Center provides need-based scholarships, merit scholarships, and the Gift of Israel matching gift program. Contact Galeet Lipke at the Israel Programs Center at (201) 820-3908 for more information.

New Jersey - Southern

The Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey's Department of Jewish Education offers the Gift of Israel Program and need-based scholarships to local Jewish teens traveling to Israel. Contact Penina Hoffnung at (856) 751-9500 ext 208 for more information. The Jewish Community Foundation also offers the Freda & Sam Yacker Israel Experience Award of up to $3,000 for an approved program (essay required). Please contact Jeff Klein at (856) 673-2521 for more details.

New York, New York

The Jewish Federation of New York offers a variety of merit and need-based scholarships to high school residents of Manhattan, Brooklyn, Staten Island, Bronx, Queens, Nassau, Suffolk or Westchester. For more information contact the Israel Experience Center at (800) 64-ISRAEL.

North Shore, Massachusetts

The Jewish Federation of North Shore offers financial assistance to Jewish teenagers traveling to Israel. Programs must be a minimum for four weeks in length to qualify. Contact Rachel Jacobson at (978) 564-0729 for more information.

Omaha, Nebraska

The Center for Jewish Education administers a wide variety of scholarships for youth travel to Israel. Many, but not all, of these scholarships have financial need as criteria in determining awards. Contact Mary Sue Grossman, Assistant Executive Director, at 402-334-6445, for more information.

Palm Beach County, Florida

The Israel Program Center of the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County offers B'nai Mitzvah Vouchers and Israel Incentive Grants of $600 each which are one-time awards and may not be used for the same program. They also provide need-based financial aid of up to $1,600 to teens for approved Israel programs. Contact Mia Johnson at at 561-242-6609 for more information.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The Philadelphia Jewish Federation administers a Passport to Israel incentive savings fund for teens as well as need-based scholarships for teens, college students and adults wishing to travel, study or volunteer in Israel. The maximum scholarship is $2,500, but no more than half of the program expense. Contact Donna Levinson at (215) 832-0550 for more information.

Phoenix, Arizona

The Harold and Jean Grossman Israel Experience Scholarship Fund provides grants for up to $1,000 to area teens wishing to travel to Israel this summer on a qualified program. The London Gold Scholarship Fund provides an additional $170 to all scholoarship applicants. Visit their website, or call Ernie Muntner at 480-634-4900, ext. 1119 for more information.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

AJL Pittsburgh offers scholarships for up to $750 to Jewish teenagers traveling on qualified Israel programs during the summer. Priority is given to first time visitors to Israel. Applications are reviewed on a first come, first served basis. For information or a scholarship application, contact Amy Carp at 412-521-1101, ext. 3204.

Rhode Island

The Bureau of Jewish Education of Rhode Island administers a variety of incentive and need-based grants to Rhode Island residents of high-school age and beyond. Applications, a personal interview and references are required for all students. In addition, all students must participate in an orientation session, (two evenings, for a total of seven hours) and a re-entry session. Contact Beth Brier, Israel Desk Coordinator at (401) 331-0956 ext. 223 for more information.

Rochester, New York

The Federation of Greater Rochester administers a Gift of Israel incentive savings fund which can be used for teens to travel to Israel on approved programs. Contact Josh Boress at (585) 461-0490 x249 for more information.

Rockville, Maryland

The Partnership for Jewish Life and Learning administers Israel Quest, which provides need-based grants for Jewish teens in grades 9-12 living in the Washington, DC metropolitan area to participate in an approved Israel program. Israel Quest funding is disbursed on a first-come, first-served basis, so it is important to apply early. Contact Phyllis Solomon at 301.230.7292 for more Information.

San Diego, California

The United Jewish Federation of San Diego County set up the Israel Youth Travel Scholarship Fund, which provides two types of need-based scholarships: general Scholarship Fund and Synagogue Partnerships (synagogues provide matching funds to promote youth Israel travel among their congregants). Contact Eyal Dagan, Community Shaliach, at (858) 571-3444 for more information.

San Francisco, California

The Bureau of Jewish Education offers financial assistance to teens in grades 8-12 wishing to travel to Israel for the first time. Contact Janet Rothman, the Financial Aid Director at (415) 751-6983, ext. 107 for more information.

San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys, California

The local Federation office offers scholarships for up to $500 to local teenagers travelling on approved summer programs to Israel. Applicants must write an essay and be interviewed as part of the application process. Contact the Federation at 626-332-0700 for more information.

Seattle, Washington

The Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle offers scholarships to Jewish teenagers traveling to Israel. Click here to learn more or to download a copy of the application.

Southern Illinois

The Federation of Southern Illinois offers $500 subsidies and low interest loans to teens who are Federation members and wish to travel to Israel on an approved program. Contact the Federation at (618) 398-6100 for more information.

Springfield, Massachusetts

The Jewish Federation of Greater Springfield offers a variety of scholarships and grants to Jewish teenagers traveling to Israel. For more information, contact Michelle Lancto, Grants Administrator at (413) 732-9994.

St. Louis, Missouri

The Central Agency for Jewish Education offers a variety of need and merit based scholarships and loans to Jewish teens traveling to Israel. Contact Karen Rader at (314) 442-3756 for more information.

St. Paul, Minnesota

The United Jewish Fund and Council of St. Paul offers Israel Experience Scholarships to Jewish children and young adults, ages 13-22, for approved Israel travel prgrams. Applicants who are planning their first trip to Israel will receive priority. Contact Laura Savin at (651) 695-3183 for more information.

Syracuse, New York

The Syracuse Jewish Federation offers $250 to each high school student who has completed the 10th grade or will complete the 10th grade at the time of his or her Israel trip at the Federation-subsidized Rabbi Epstein Hebrew High School, The Temple Society of Concord Hebrew High School, the Temple Adath Yeshurun Confirmation Class, or if the student has just relocated here, the equivalent at a Hebrew High School in another city. Scholarships are only available to high school students who have not been on an organized peer trip to Israel. All programs must be approved by the Federation. Students are required to attend 1 session prior to their trip and required to recruit others to participate in Israel trips when they return and to share their experiences with the community. The Federation offers an additional scholarship to the same group. The Wolfson scholarship requires students to complete an application, write an essay as well as participate in an interview. Financial need is considered. Contact Rich Friedman at (315) 445-2040 ext. 105 for more information.

Toledo, Ohio

The Jewish Experience Fund of the United Jewish Council of Greater Toledo provides stipends of up to $1,000 for local teens participating in an approved Israel travel program or other qualifying Jewish summer program. Contact the Department of Jewish Programs at (419) 724-0365 for more information.

Vancouver, British Columbia

Grants based on financial need are available from the Israel Affairs Department at the Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver. Eligibility is limited to Jewish applicants ages 14-26 and are residents of British Columbia. Priority is given to applicants that are making their first trip to Israel, and the maximum scholarship available is $2,500 per applicant. Each student must sign a pledge of community involvement upon their return from Israel which can include speaking about Israel to a group of students or adults, volunteering for service at a Jewish agency, volunteering for service at a community event or participating in Jewish studies. Contact If’at Eilon-Heiber or Michael Pinsky at (604) 257-5100 for more information.

Wichita, Kansas

The Mid-Kansas Jewish Federation offers scholarships to all local teens traveling to Israel on an approved program for up to $1500. Requests for additional need-based financial assistance will also be considered. Contact the Federation office at 316-686-4741 for more information.

Note: Please let us know if any of our information needs to be updated.