Jewish Educational Services (JES) is proud to administer the Community Fund For Israel Experiences (CFIE) on behalf of THE ASSOCIATED: Jewish Federation of Baltimore. The goal of CFIE is to help as many students as possible travel to Israel and include Israel as part of their Jewish identities.
CFIE provides limited scholarships to high-school and first year post-high school students who are residents of Baltimore City/County to experience Israel on a deeper level. This scholarship is meant to assist families who have a financial need (e.g., household income under $300,000, multiple children in day school, high medical bills).
Applications for Summer, Semester, and Gap Year programs are now closed.
2023 Update: This year there are two significant changes to the program structure:
1) Scholarship Eligibility – Applications will no longer be based on financial need. This will allow for a more simplified application and review process. Applicants will not need to provide any tax or FACTS information. Priority will be given to those who have never been on an organized trip to Israel, after which they will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. Summer applicants may receive up to $500, Semester applicants up to $1000, and Gap Year applicants up to $1,500, until the budget is met. In addition, there are a limited number of $500 Merit Scholarships for which Gap Year recipients may apply (see below for more detail).
2) Israel Education Seminar – Every recipient will be required to attend at least one Israel Education Seminar that will be provided by JES. Seminars will take place in the Spring and Summer and there will be options for single-gender or coed, as well as virtual or in-person. More information will be provided. Receipt of the scholarship is contingent on attending at least one Israel Education Seminar.
Merit Scholarship Information
Applicants for the Merit Scholarship will require an additional form which includes two essays and a letter of recommendation.
1) Mandatory question: What do you hope to gain from this Israel experience?
2) Choose from one of these options:
a. If you could meet anyone from Israel history, what would you ask them and why?
b. What place in Israel is a must visit for you and why?
In addition to the essays, you will need to provide a letter of recommendation. This should come from someone unrelated to you, such as a teacher, rabbi, or youth group leader, who can speak to your character. Please provide that person with the link below to complete.
Applications will be reviewed by a merit scholarship committee, and you will be notified if you are chosen for the award.
Summary of Application Requirements
Regular Application (Summer, Semester, or Gap Year)
-Application
-Attendance at an Israel Education Seminar
Merit Scholarship (for Gap Year applicants only)
-Essay
-Letter of Recommendation
-Attendance at an Israel Education Seminar
We understand that participating in an Israel program is costly and have compiled a list of other possible sources for funding your trip, in addition to our grant.
For more information, please contact Jewish Agency Senior Israeli Shlicha, Maian Rahvalschi, at Jewish Educational Services (mrahvalschi@jesbaltimore.org / 410-735-5028).