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CHAI Israel Scholarships

Teen and College Israel Experiences

 

Thank you for your interest in the Chai Israel grant. Applications are now open for the 2023-2024 year. For more information please reach out to Rachel Nelson, rachel@jewishportland.org.

 

The Jewish Federation of Greater Portland recognizes the power of teen travel to Israel. For youth already connected to our local Jewish community and those just beginning a connection and everyone in between, a formal Israel experience creates memories and impressions that last a lifetime. In recognition of the importance of our teens having a transformative Israel experience, Jewish Federation is helping to offset the cost of teen Israel travel, making it just a little easier to have this experience.

 

Curious about which programs are eligible for this grant program? You can see most eligible high school experiences here. To explore college and gap year programs, head to the Masa Israel website to learn more.

APPLICATION FOR GRANT

Teen Israel Scholarships

 

This continuing program of the Oregon Board of Rabbis provides scholarships to eligible teens engaged in synagogue-based Hebrew High programs. Funding is provided through the Arthur P. Krichevsky Memorial Scholarship Fund of the Oregon Jewish Community Foundation.

 

Questions? Please contact your local synagogue directly with questions regarding this program. 

 

ALL TEEN ISRAEL RECIPIENTS (living in the greater Portland area) are eligible for CHAI Israel funds, too, PLUS an extra $500 from Jewish Federation and the home synagogue combined in celebration of their commitment to formal Jewish education.

PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY

TEEN TRAVEL

Explore eligible High School programs by clicking on Teen Travel above and searching "Israel programs" that are a minimum of 3 weeks in duration. Examples of eligible programs include NCSY’s TJJ program, USY Israel Pilgrimage, BBYO Passport, NFTY in Israel, Alexander Muss High School in Israel, etc.

GAP Year

Gap Year programs in Israel must be taken immediately after high school graduation/prior to stateside college enrollment and can be explored on the MASA Israel website (click GAP Year above). Example of eligible programs include USY’s Nativ, Young Judaea Year Course, NCSY’s Israel XP, etc.

FUNDING STRUCTURE

TEEN ISRAEL: 18% of the trip’s published cost, NOT TO EXCEED $1,800

GAP Year: $2,000 max

Funds will be paid DIRECTLY to the program provider.

Application deadline is March 1st.

APPLY

Teens can receive funding for one Teen Travel program AND one GAP Year program.

Apply for CHAI Israel and Teen Israel Funds by clicking on Apply above!