The Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor is pleased to announce the availability of two sources of financial assistance for teens travelling to Israel: The Susan L. Lichter Memorial Endowed Israel Scholarship and Jewish Federation’s Subsidies for teen travel to Israel.
Susan L. Lichter Memorial Endowed Israel Scholarship
The Susan L. Lichter Memorial Endowed Israel Scholarship Fund provides two $3,000 scholarships annually for Ann Arbor area high school students to participate in peer group Israel experiences such as semester, summer, or gap year programs, which occur between high school and college. Paul and Carolyn Lichter established the fund in memory of their daughter who had a deep connection to Israel. “We wanted to establish this scholarship to keep Susan’s name alive in the community and to give other young people the opportunity she had, to have a meaningful Israel experience,” Paul shared. The scholarship application includes the submission of an essay in which students will be asked to why is connecting to Israel important for them, and how do they expect that their experience in Israel will help them become more engaged community members.
A scholarship committee will determine the scholarship award winners. Applications for the Susan L. Lichter Memorial Endowed Israel Scholarship must be received in the Federation office by February 15, and awards will be determined by March 15. Winning essays will be published in the Washtenaw Jewish News and on the Federation website.
Federation Subsidies for Teen Travel to Israel
The Jewish Federation believes in the value of Israel experiences for teenagers in developing Jewish identity and offers subsidies for teens participating in approved, organized peer trips to Israel. Ryan and Steven Lechtner were able to participate in the Detroit Teen Mission to Israel with the assistance of these subsidies and, for Ryan, the Lichter Scholarship. “This was by far the most personal growth I have experienced, and it made me appreciate what I have,” said Ryan. “If it hadn’t been for the generosity of the Ann Arbor Jewish Federation and the Lichter family, I may never have had this realization…I certainly wouldn’t have had this while in Israel.” Subsidies are provided for summer, semester and year programs, including gap year programs. These subsidies are not provided for college-age students. The amount of the subsidy varies, based on the number of applicants each year. The maximum any one individual will receive is $1,000. Individuals may receive this subsidy only one time. Subsidy recipients will be asked to share their experiences during and/or after their trip. Applications for Israel subsidies must be received in the Federation office by February 15, and notification of subsidies will be made by March 15. Applications received after the deadline will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis if funds are still available.
Eligible Programs
Eligible programs for both the Susan L. Lichter Memorial Endowed Israel Scholarship and the Israel subsidies must be at least four weeks in length and be organized by an approved provider, such as those under the auspices of Jewish youth movements, denominational movements of Judaism, MASA gap year programs, Israeli university teen summer programs, or high school study programs. Scholarships and subsidies are not awarded for family or individual travel and will be paid directly to the programs in which the selected students participate. Local high school students interested in applying for the scholarship and/or the subsidy should visit www.jewishannarbor.org or contact Amichay Findling by E-Mail: Amichay@jewishannarbor.org.