Dear Seniors,

Taking advantage of a gap year in Israel with Nativ is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and we want to help make this a reality for you!

See the many scholarship opportunities - financial-aid, merit-based and location-based- available for Nativers. We are proud to introduce two new scholarships for incoming Nativers of $10,000 and $2,500 respectively. Applications for scholarships are open to students who have been accepted to Nativ!.

We are also happy to set up individualized payment plans through March 2024 for the remaining program balance. E-mail Deb to create a plan that works for you.

Apply to Nativ today!

$10,000 Needs-Based Scholarship in memory of Rosalyn Ebrahimoff z"l (1947-2022)

This needs-based scholarship will be awarded to one Nativer due to the generosity of Naomi Bloom Wurtman, Nativ 11.

Naomi writes, "Many of my most central values and ideals were implanted in me by my Mom, Rosalyn (Roz) Ebrahimoff, including the importance of knowing and loving Israel. Growing up enmeshed in our local Conservative synagogue community and the greater world of Conservative Judaism, when I began thinking through my post-high school plans, it was obvious -to her- that I should go on Nativ 11 (and that my brother, Josh, should go on Nativ 13 two years later). Nativ was a truly formative year for me in terms of my personal development as a young adult and the development of my relationship with Israel, and led to my aliyah in 1996 and life in Israel ever since. My Mom supported and encouraged me every step of the way. And I’m so happy to help support a new generation of Nativers in tribute to my mother, an unabashed Zionist and proud and active Jew, knowing what honor this brings her memory."

$2,500 Leadership Grant in memory of Andrew Steven Zucker z"l, Nativ 11 (1974-2001)

This grant will be awarded to a Nativer who embodies Andrew’s qualities of leadership, an unwavering willingness to help others, and a passion for life and adding color to the world. It is made possible by the generosity of Naomi Bloom Wurtman, Nativ 11. Photo from Nativ 11, where Andrew is being held by three friends.

Naomi writes, "I was blessed to have Andrew Zucker in my life for pretty much as far back as I can remember - from elementary school in Solomon Schechter, through four intense years together in USY, one incredible year on Nativ 11 (1991-92), our college days, and beyond. When Andrew was killed in the World Trade Center on September 11th, trying to help others escape to safety, the world lost an absolute force of nature, and I lost one of my oldest, dearest friends. Andrew was, simply put, larger than life; this fact characterized his every emotion, belief, and action. He was crazy strong-willed, caring and giving to an extreme, amazingly determined, hysterically funny, super loving and warm, and knew no boundaries when it came to doing what he felt was right, just, or necessary. Andrew left behind his wife Erica and their then unborn son, parents, siblings, and friends - and also, countless people whose lives he had touched in his uniquely Andrew way.

At the time of Andrew’s death, David Keren shared that Andrew had told him that his year on Nativ was the most meaningful and enjoyable year of his life. It instilled in him not only a love for Israel, but a deep commitment to Judaism and the desire to create a family."

Up to $2,500 from the Nativ Scholarship Fund

Made possible through the generous donors to the Nativ Scholarship Fund

Grants of up to $2,500 are awarded on a need-basis to students attending Nativ 43.

$800 Masa Israel Journey Grant

Grants of $800 are awarded to long-term students in Israel who have not previously been on a program in Israel longer than four months. Apply through Masa here.

Up to $3,000 Masa Israel Journey Financial Aid

Apply for needs - based scholarship (based on taxes) for up to an additional $3,000 through Masa. These scholarships will only open when Masa receives the money from the Israel Government, around May

$1,000 Nativ - Hebrew University Egalitarian Community Leadership Grant

This grant will be awarded to five Nativers on the Hebrew University Track through the generosity of Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

In partnership with Hebrew University, students who demonstrate outstanding movement leadership and a commitment to contribute to USY, Ramah, or egalitarian Judaism on campus following their year on Nativ are eligible for this grant.

Contact Deb for the application

529 Plan

Do you have savings in a 529 Plan? Nativ students studying at Hebrew University can use approximately $12,000 from a 529 plan towards the tuition. This $12,000 covers tuition + room and board for the academic semester.

Up to $2,800 in Financial aid through the Hebrew University of Jerusalem

Need-based aid provided through Hebrew University based on the FAFSA - school code G04012

Students on the Hebrew University track can apply directly for financial aid. This cannot be combined with the Leadership Grant.

Hebrew University also gives specific scholarships to students from different geographic areas (Ie: Zemsky Award for Students from Chicago). They will inform you of these opportunities if relevant when you complete the above form.

Geographic-Based Scholarships for Nativ College Leadership Program

Many local Jewish Federations in North American and the UK have scholarship programs for trips to Israel. Contact your local federation and inquire about sources of funding from within the organization and ask the staff to also recommend other sources of funding available in your local community.

The Jewish United Fund offers scholarships based on financial need for Chicago-area participants. Application opens in Spring 2023 - details here.

$10,000 for Atlanta-based students towards your year on Nativ through JumpSpark.

The Atlanta Israel Gap Year Scholarship for Atlanta high school seniors who identify as Jewish, regardless of financial need - details here.

Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Greater Boston is pleased to offer stipends for students spending significant time in Israel - details here.

Up to $6,250 from The Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati.

Cincy Journeys offers generous grants towards seniors participating on a gap year in Israel - details here.