For Israel & Oversees
Israel Teen and Young Adult Subsidies
Helping make life-changing Israel experiences possible for St. Louis teens and young adults.
Traveling to Israel as a teen or young adult is a powerful way to build Jewish identity, strengthen personal connections, and deepen understanding of Jewish life around the world. Federation is committed to helping families and students make these experiences accessible—through long-term savings and direct financial support.
Making transformational trips more affordable.
Travel Grants
We offer travel grants to help cover the cost of immersive Israel programs for eligible Jewish teens and young adults.
- Who qualifies:
Jewish teens and young adults upon completion of 9th grade up to age 27 who live in the St. Louis area - What it supports:
A peer-based experience on a trip with a minimum of three weeks in Israel for high school students and two weeks for post-high school participants. - How much funding is provided: Short-term programs $750, Semester programs $1250 and Year-long programs $1750
- Application timing:
Grants are available on a rolling basis
Stuart I. Pessin Merit-Based Scholarship
The Stuart I. Pessin merit-based grant awards four St. Louis teens $1500 toward their Israel experience. The grant is open to current high school students participating in a 2026 Israel experience. Candidates will be considered based on their application and a combination of academic and personal achievements. Applications for the 2026 will open in mid-December and be due in mid-February.
Eligibility Requirements
High School
Post High School
Age
Completion of 9th grade
Up to Age 27
Religious Affiliation
Students with at least one Jewish parent or students who have converted to Judaism. Must identify with Jewish faith at time application is submitted.
Students with at least one Jewish parent or students who have converted to Judaism. Must identify with Jewish faith at time application is submitted.
Geographic Connection to St. Louis
Parent(s) must reside in St. Louis during the year the trip takes place
Parent(s) reside in St. Louis and/or participant’s permanent address is in St. Louis.
Minimum Length & Type of Eligible Trip
Three weeks minimum in Israel. Trip must be travel for a peer-based experience only.
Two weeks minimum in Israel. Trip must be travel for a peer-based experience only.
Grant Awarded
Short-term programs $750
Semester programs $1,250
Year-long programs $1,750
Short-term programs $750
Semester programs $1,250
Year-long programs $1,750
How previous Israel travel impact application?
No impact. First timers as well as students who have been to Israel may apply. Students are eligible for one grant in any 12-month funding period (Aug. 1 – July 31). Students may not apply for the same type of program, sponsor, or school more than once
No impact. First timers as well as students who have been to Israel may apply. Students are eligible for one grant in any 12-month funding period (Aug. 1 – July 31). Students may not apply for the same type of program, sponsor, or school more than once
Prepayment Requirements
Repay the grant in full if the grant recipient subsequently does not go to Israel
Repay the grant in full if the grant recipient subsequently does not go to Israel
