Academic Scholarships and Loans
Investing in the Next Generation
The Jewish Federation of St. Louis offers a range of academic scholarships and interest-free loans to support students in the greater St. Louis area. These opportunities are open to local residents, with preference typically given to Jewish applicants unless otherwise noted. Applications generally open in January and close in early April.
The Lentin Scholarship Fund
Established by Scott Lentin
Provides up to $10,000 for high school juniors and seniors with financial need enrolling in accredited undergraduate or vocational programs. Preference is given to first-generation college students and those of any faith connected to the Jewish community.
The Benajmin D. and Miriam Pessin Education Assistance Fund
Established in memory of Benjamin D. Pessin and Miriam Pessin by members of their immediate family.
Provides $2,500 scholarships to qualified Jewish students demonstrating scholastic achievement and financial need pursuing a business degree.
The Ruth Greenberg Memorial Fund For Rabbinical Training
Established by the late Ruth Greenberg
Provides $2,500 scholarships for rabbinical training for St. Louis residents demonstrating financial need and intent to pursue a career in the rabbinate.
The Sam A. Kessler Memorial Scholarship
Established by friends of the late Sam A. Kessler
Provides a $1,000 scholarship for a local law school student demonstrating financial need and a willingness to contribute their time and talent to the Jewish community. Applicants must have resided in the St. Louis metropolitan area for no less than 10 years.
The Dr. Hilary Gallin Brodie and Mr. Joshua Brodie Scholarship
Established in celebration of the marriage of Hilary and Josh by Alaina Kessler and Adam Schneider.
Offers up to $2,000 for students in high school and beyond interested in pursuing education, internships, or ventures in science, engineering, math, or entrepreneurship. Funds may support tuition, work experiences, or entrepreneurial ideas.
The Richard L. Levis, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund
Established in memory of Richard L. Levis, Jr. by his widow, Barbara Rosen.
Provides up to $1,000 in scholarship money to Missouri area college or university students demonstrating scholastic achievement and financial need.
The Blanche and Irving Miller Scholarship Fund
Established through a bequest from the estate of Blanche and Irving Miller.
Provides $1,000 scholarships to students pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees in professional fields at accredited colleges or universities.
The Loeb Family Scholarship Fund
Made possible through the Louise & Benjamin, Marjorie & Harry Loeb Endowment.
Offers up to $5,000 per year for study at an accredited nonprofit vocational school, community college, or four-year institution.
Open to applicants from the local Jewish community, with awards based on financial need and potential for long-term impact. Preference is given to first-generation college students.
The Cynthia and Garry Seltzer College Scholarship
Provides a renewable scholarship for $10,000 to a student who has demonstrated academic achievement, leadership skills and financial need. This scholarship will be available for the 2025-2026 academic year.
The L. Allen Zorensky Fine Arts Loan Fund
Awards interest-free loans to students pursuing an education in fine arts or other arts at a post-secondary level at a recognized accredited academic institution. Loan recipients must sign a promissory note in which the recipient agrees to repay the loan, in full, within five years of graduation.
Scholarship Applications
Applications for the 2025-26 award cycle are now closed.
Applications generally open in January and close in early April. We will post the links to apply here once they open.
Financial Grants & Support for Individuals
Supporting Stability, Opportunity, and Growth
In addition to funding community programs and partners, Jewish Federation of St. Louis offers direct support to individuals and families through a range of assistance options. These resources help promote personal stability, and support long-term growth — from summer camp experiences to higher education, job training, and emergency financial assistance.
Financial Cash Assistance
Provides short-term support to individuals in the local Jewish community who are experiencing financial insecurity. Assistance may include help with rent, utilities, and other urgent needs, along with advocacy and resources that promote long-term stability. Most support is offered for a period of one to six months. Contact the Intake line at Jewish Family Services, 314-993-1000.
One Happy Camper Grants for Jewish Summer Camps
Grants of up to $1,000 are available for first-time campers in grades 1–12, attending a 12-day or longer session at a qualifying Jewish summer camp. Offered in partnership with the Foundation for Jewish Camp and Jewish Federation of St. Louis, this grant helps kids build Jewish identity and lifelong connections.
Grants for Israel Travel
Federation’s Israel Center offers teens and young adults funding through merit and incentive-based grants for Israel travel.
Indigent Burial Fund
Jewish Federation of St. Louis partners with Jewish Family Services to help ensure that all members of the Jewish community can receive a dignified, traditional Jewish burial—regardless of financial means.
Jossem Memorial Fund
Provides funding for local Jewish nonprofits and congregations to assist elderly community members facing financial insecurity. Grants help cover essential personal or medical items not typically supplied by Federation-supported agencies.
Loeb Opportunity Fund
Supports individuals in the local Jewish community with low income by funding education, job training, and enrichment programs that enhance quality of life and long-term self-sufficiency. Eligible uses include after-school, weekend, or summer programs for families served by Jewish Family Services.