Fed Five: Back to School Edition

August 19, 2026

We wish everyone a great start to the school year!

Please enjoy our Fed Five: Back to School edition that includes information and resources for students, teachers, and families.

Visit our website for more information on the Federation's Education Programming.

Marvin Barish Right Start Tuition Vouchers

Right Start has helped make Jewish early childhood education more accessible with vouchers ranging from $1,000 to $2,000 for families enrolling their first child in a program for the first time. Right Start has grown from 73 new students receiving $126,500 in vouchers in the first year, to 162 new students across nine schools receiving $311,500 in the 2025–2026 school year. By easing financial barriers, the program is strengthening enrollment pipelines and deepening connections between young families and Jewish Houston. Learn more and apply as needed here. The Federation is grateful to the Barish Family and the Samuels Family Foundation for their generous and ongoing support of this program.

Camp & Israel Scholarships

This summer, we awarded $167,000 in Camp and Israel Scholarships enabling 226 to participate in life-changing, immersive Jewish educational experiences. This included 202 campers who attended 48 Jewish camps across North America, and 24 teens who are participating in 16 Israel travel programs including gap years this coming school year. Keep Federation scholarships in mind as you start planning for summer 2027. Scholarship applications will open again in December 2026. Families with annual income up to $250,000 and families with extenuating circumstances, regardless of income, are eligible to apply. Scholarships are made possible through gifts to the Federation’s Annual Campaign and the generosity of individual donors. Lea rn more about our scholarship program here.

Morim Together: A Day of Learning for Teachers

Last week, more than 200 teachers from 12 of Houston’s Jewish day schools and early childhood programs gathered for our professional development training, Morim Together: A Day of Learning. National experts shared their knowledge on topics including classroom management and strategies to improve attention for K – 12th grade teachers, integrating social learning for PreK 3 and 4 teachers, and building communication skills for infant – toddler teachers. The program was part of the Federation’s partnership with ElevatEd. Our Jewish Education Department is certified by the State of Texas to provide continuing education credits to certified teachers, and we offer opportunities for formal educational training during the school year.

Attention Teens and Parents: Trip Opportunities

Our Teen Engagement program has several exciting trips coming up, you can sign up today!

11th, 12th Grade, and College Freshman Winter Trip to Israel (December 20, 2026–January 3, 2027): This transformative journey is the ultimate capstone to the Jewish teen experience. Register by September 30.

8th & 9th Grade Alternative Winter Break Trip to New Orleans (December 27–30, 2026): An immersive four-day experience combining volunteering, learning, and fun with friends. Register by November 23.

10th – 12th Grade Spring Break Trip: Time for more connection, fun, and learning. More information to come, complete the interest form to get details when available.

Early Childhood Teacher Degree Program

Mazel tov to the latest graduates of our Early Childhood Teacher Degree Program. In May, four teachers earned master's degrees and four earned bachelor's degrees through the Federation's partnership with American Jewish University. By helping educators pursue advanced training and credentials, the program strengthens Jewish early childhood education across Houston. Learn more about the program here. The Federation is grateful to the Samuels Family Foundation for their generosity and for making this program possible.

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