Freda and Sam Yacker Israel Experience Award of the South Jersey Hebrew Association Grant

Freda and Sam Yacker Israel Experience Award of the South Jersey Hebrew Association Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Jewish Community Foundation
Last Updated: March 13, 2026

Summary

The Freda and Sam Yacker Israel Experience Award, established by the South Jersey Hebrew Association, provides financial assistance to Jewish students aged 18-25 from Camden, Gloucester, or Burlington Counties. This award supports participation in college programs or recognized summer experiences in Israel. Applicants must articulate their engagement with Israel in an essay. Preference is given to those whose education begins after June 30. The scholarship encourages deeper connections with Israel through educational experiences.

Overview

About JCF Extensive History: Founded in 1979 as the Bequest & Endowment Society of the Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey, the Jewish Community Foundation, Inc. is a separately-incorporated 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.Community Leadership: With upwards of $35 million in funds under management, and with an estimated $40 million in future expected endowment assets, the JCF has grown into the leading community foundation in South Jersey. JCF Scholarship Awards are available for all students pursuing post-high school education and who are enrolled (or plan to enroll) in full-time studies for the Fall 2026 school year or for experiential travel in the upcoming year. Who May Apply for JCF Scholarship Awards? Local Residents: An applicant's home residence must be in Burlington, Camden, or Gloucester County ("B/C/G County) in Southern New Jersey, but noting the following exceptions: Stuart & Marylee Alperin Jewish Communal Service Professional Development Award: Must be a B/C/G County resident OR reside elsewhere in Southern New Jersey;Jewish War Veterans Post 126 Award: Applicant may live outside the B/C/G County area, but is a child or grandchild of a JWV Post 126 member in good standing;Col. David Marcus Memorial Award: Priority will be given to B/C/G County residents Note: Applicants for any awards may attend school outside of Burlington, Camden, or Gloucester counties. Please contact us with any concerns regarding residency. Candidates Who Qualify Based on Award Criteria: To determine which award(s) to apply for, a prospective applicant should review each award's criteria, and apply accordingly. Note that criteria can vary per award based on such requirements as an applicant's age, merit vs. financial need, gender, etc. Most, but not all, awards are for applicants of Jewish faith. An applicant may apply to multiple awards each year. Reapplying: Each award is for a one-year time period. Applicants may reapply in subsequent years to any JCF award for which they qualify. Freda and Sam Yacker Israel Experience Award of the South Jersey Hebrew Association Established by the South Jersey Hebrew Association, this endowment fund was created to provide financial assistance for awardees who will attend any college or university related program in Israel, or any recognized summer programs to Israel, or for study in Israel in any recognized school or yeshiva

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. The Freda and Sam Yacker essay contest is open to Jewish students 18-25 years of age who live in Camden, Gloucester, or Burlington Counties.The topic to address for this year's essay is: What are some ways in which you currently engage with Israel, and how do you believe your study in Israel may benefit you?What are some ways in which you currently engage with Israel, and how do you believe your study in Israel may benefit you?Scholarship may be used for attending any college or university related program in Israel or any recognized summer programs to Israel, or for study in Israel in any recognized school or yeshiva.