Somewhere in Boston, there is a university student from Delray Beach who is preparing for a career in the arts … or anthropology… or both, thanks to your support of the Jewish Educational Loan Fund (JELF). A valued partner of the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County, JELF literally makes academic dreams come true.

“JELF has allowed me to pursue my passions for both theatre and the study of human culture in a setting that encourages holistic education and Tikkun Olam,’’ said the first-year student, who is enrolled at Northeastern University, earning a degree in Cultural Anthropology and Theatre.

Josh Schaier, JELF’s Chief Development Officer, was thrilled to share that JELF has significantly increased its impact in South Palm Beach County, from 36 students in 2020, to 44 students in 2021.

Your generous support of the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County has enabled us to increase funding to JELF, so that more students received aid. Would you like to support future Jewish Life & Learning? Give here: https://jewishboca.org/give/donate/

Students Receive Their ‘Last Dollar’ From JELF

JELF provides no-interest, no-fee loans to help Jewish students of all backgrounds meet their undergraduate, graduate, vocational or technical educational goals. Since 1961, JELF has provided more than $16 million in interest free loans to more than 2,200 Jewish students in its five-state territory, which includes Florida. JELF’s “last dollar” loans require students to assemble all the financial aid they can before applying. After getting government and school aid and loans for tuition, they turn to JELF for help with uncovered expenses.

Applications for JELF’s interest-free loans for higher education (college, graduate school, and vocational programs) for the 2022-23 academic year will open to Jewish students beginning January 3 through April 30, 2022. JELF, in partnership with the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County and the Ruth & Norman Rales Jewish Family Services, helps Jewish students reach their academic goals. Know a student in need? Learn more here: www.jelf.org.

Alleviating Burdens While Building Dreams

“JELF has been a tremendous help in helping me reach my goals and aspirations. Since the burden of paying for school has been made lighter, I am more able to focus on developing myself as a student and soon to be professional,” said an aspiring speech language pathologist from Boca Raton, who is attending the University of Massachusetts- Amherst. “I have more time to volunteer and be a part of my campus wide community, which has greatly enhanced my college experience.”