Vision: Building Future Jewish Leaders

The Abraham Scholarships, the first Jewish international educational fellowships focused on identifying and nurturing future leaders of the Jewish people, were initiated to bring outstanding students from top universities throughout the United States to explore their heritage and traditions in leading yeshivot and seminaries in Israel.  Due to the fact that many Jewish students have little or no contact with advanced Jewish learning, the Abraham Scholarships were designed to allow top students the opportunity to expand their experiences and knowledge of classic Jewish texts, and develop themselves to become leaders in the Jewish community. The opportunity to study in Israel, in the land which serves as a source of inspiration for Jews throughout the world, creates an atmosphere where students are able to develop a familiarity with their heritage, while living in the historic homeland of the Jewish People.

The criteria for selection as an Abraham Scholar includes demonstrating overall strong academic achievement, exceptional character, and excellent leadership qualities.  Abraham Scholars form the core of a group of  committed and active Jewish college graduates who want to challenge themselves, both intellectually and spiritually and who wish to have a positive long term impact on the Jewish community both as a participant and a leader. 

Abraham Scholars are selected through a process by which they are recommended to apply for an Abraham Scholarship by either a local Hillel director, a local campus Rabbi, or a Rabbi in the community in which the candidate attended college.  Applications are reviewed by the Abraham Trustees, a selection committee of leaders from the business and philanthropic world,  who review the application and interview top candidates.  Outstanding intellectual distinction is a prerequisite but not enough to qualify an Abraham Scholar.  The selection committee looks for excellence in academic achievement, along with leadership qualities and a commitment to developing a familiarity with traditional Jewish philosophical, ethical and legal sources and the Hebrew language.  Abraham Scholars apply during their senior year of college, and are awarded the scholarship prior to graduation. 

Election to the Abraham Scholarship is normally for one years but may be held for two years, depending upon the circumstances of the individual candidate.  The scholarship covers all educational costs, such as matriculation, tuition, laboratory and certain other fees.  In addition, scholars receive $5,000 for each complete year of study, paid upon the completion of the year. The scholarship also covers the cost of travel to and from Israel. 

Each semester, Abraham Scholars are invited to meet with members of the Board of Trustees, political and religious leaders in Israel, and other well-known Jewish figures, and to build relationships with other students in Israel. Upon completion of the program, Abraham Scholars have the opportunity to present their experience at the annual Hillel National Leadership Conference, where they present their impressions of the experience in Israel, and network with current and future Jewish leaders.

Students are encouraged to apply for the Abraham Scholarship beginning December 1, 2008. The applications process will be closed after July 31, 2009. Applicants must have a cummulative GPA of 3.2 or higher and demonstrate exceptional intellectual capability. Official college transcripts must be submitted along with your application. A letter of reccommendation from your campus rabbi or advisor is also required.

The Abraham Scholarships owe their origin to the remarkable vision expressed by the pioneering entrepreneur and philanthropist S. Daniel Abraham, who has inspired and challenged his family and friends with developing greatness in the Jewish people, and in identifying and nurturing future Jewish leaders.