Join us for our Annual Meeting on February 4th and see how your support is providing interest-free loans to Jewish students!
College is hard enough without the burden of student loan debt.
College is getting more expensive
The average cost of college (public and private combined) in the United States is $25,000 per year. As inflation rises, this cost will only continue to grow.
Income rarely matches the cost
According to JELF's student applicants, 31% of Jewish families have a household income of under $50K. The Jewish community is not immune to debt or hardship.
Average student loan debt is $38K
And that's a problem! With student loan debt at an all time high, JELF provides crucial savings in the form of loans that never accrue interest!
Joshua K.
"My college journey was made possible by JELF, and I can’t express how appreciative I am for its existence."
Tamir G.
"JELF was wonderful. Everything from the application forward was easy and the people were so helpful."
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Since 1961 JELF has provided over $24M in interest free loans to 7,119 Jewish students in our five-state region.
JELF students represent families from Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia (excluding metro DC). Representing a multitude of family dynamics, many recipients come from single parent families, immigrant families, families afflicted with illness, job-related issues and special needs. The list goes on! JELF aims to help qualified applicants.
Together, we are making a difference.
$24M Loaned Over Time
7,119 Students Helped
99% Repayment Rate
Success Story Shaayna S.
Shaayna was accepted to college right as the 2007 financial crisis began. Her parents, both independent business owners, suddenly couldn’t make ends meet and didn’t have enough saved for college. Even with university scholarships, Work-Study, federal loans and a Parent Plus loan, Shaayna was unable to make ends meet. Luckily, she found out about JELF through BBYO.
Today as a Senior Manager at an international consulting firm, Shaayna has been able to buy a house for her and her parents. Shaayna just got married and is now looking for ways to give back. She wants to help other women succeed and has started mentoring younger associates at her firm. “Thank goodness for JELF,” she said, “It’s such a great program.”
Starting a JELF application is the easiest thing you'll do this academic year!
Start here Let's find out if you qualify
If you can check all the boxes below, you should apply for an interest-free loan through JELF!
Like a Puzzle Next we bring all of the pieces together
Don't worry, it's not a final exam. JELF staff will help you pull together all the stuff you'll need.
Stop Stressing The app is done. The initial docs are in. Your interview is complete!
Congrats! You are on your way to receiving an interest-free loan with JELF.
Depending on how early you applied, there may be some documents we still need to finalize, such as an up-to-date transcript, financial aid letter, and cost of attendance at your chosen school.
But aside from crossing t's and dotting i's, we want you to celebrate! College debt is a huge burden to so many budding young students, and because you took the time to work with us...you'll have less of it!
Jenna Leopold Shulman meet jelf's CEO
"Higher education is both expensive and a necessity. JELF is providing a way for students to pay for it without accruing crippling debt."
JELF Success Stories
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Eli B.
Eli B.
University of GeorgiaB.S. Computer ScienceMy sister and I would not be where we are today without the help of the Jewish community and organizations such as JELF. I plan on donating to JELF when I am successful and financially able so that I can help students like myself who go through similar struggles and financial barriers.
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Shelley S.
Shelley S.
UNC GreensboroB.A., Media StudiesThank you so much for your support during the past four years of my education! To have additional support from this community was extremely impactful during my time in school. The fact that my class had to face a pandemic while trying to complete our education was incredibly difficult. However, with JELF’s help, I did not have to worry about my finances while facing the altered learning situation the pandemic caused. I am happy to announce that I graduated Summa Cum Laude this past May. It would not of happened without JELF’s support. I thank you all so much, from the bottom of my heart. Being apart of the Jewish community is something that I hold very close to my heart. It is wonderful to be able to celebrate with this wonderful community as I continue my journey into my career.
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Andrew S.
Andrew S.
Johns Hopkins UniversityB.S., Neuroscience and General BiologyThank you so much JELF for helping to fund my education!!
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Larisa K.
Larisa K.
Emory, UNC Eshelman School of PharmacyPharmDI am so grateful for seeing a JELF flyer at a coffee shop. This loan wound up helping me feel connected to my Jewish community while supporting me to pursue the education of my dreams.
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Carter M.
Carter M.
University of Florida + University of Miami School of LawB.A., J.D.JELF’s loans are a major help to me in financing law school! Interest-free means less stress about finances and more focus on my schooling. This program is unique and truly appreciated!
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Sophia C.
Sophia C.
Georgia State UniversityDoctorate of Physical TherapyJELF has allowed me to further my education. I have wanted to be a physical therapist since high school and I am grateful to finally be able to achieve my goals with the help of JELF.
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Destiny A.
Destiny A.
University of Florida & University of California IrvineBachelors in Sustainability in the Built Environment & Masters in Urban and Regional PlanningJELF’s support has allowed me to pursue my dreams of making a positive impact on the community in all that I do. Because of the funding I received in both degree programs, I was able to successfully graduate and find a job doing what I love. Working as a Long-Range Planner for the City of Edmond, OK, I am able to enact real change in the lives of residents. I would not be where I am today without the support of JELF.
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Natalie A.
Natalie A.
Georgia State UniversityInterdisciplinary Studies + Pre-LawJELF has helped me achieve my higher education. As a first generation college student, it’s so important for me to strive higher and create opportunities for myself that my parents didn’t receive. By obtaining my degree, I can continue on to represent immigrants in our justice system and help them get better opportunities.
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Tamir G.
Tamir G.
University of Tampa & University of Central FloridaB.A. Chemistry and Industrial EngineeringAs a student JELF has helped me pay for school and attend a university that I couldn’t without their help. I am truly grateful for their help and the generosity of the donors that contribute to my success!
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Aaron M.
Aaron M.
University of PittsburghDoctor of Dental MedicineWhen I was getting ready to start dental school back in 2015, JELF helped cover some living expenses/tuition which eased a lot of the anxiety I had about starting this new chapter of life in a new city. I graduated from dental school in 2019 and completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) in Atlanta the following year. My wife and I (married in March 2020) currently live in Hoschton, GA and I work as an Associate Dentist at an office in Jefferson, GA.
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Sarah B.
Sarah B.
Yeshiva UniversityMarketing B.S.Anything that helped assist me through college has gotten me to where I am today – married, with kids, and in a Director position! School is stressful enough as it is and JELF has helped me with taking a load off my shoulders.
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Danielle B.
Danielle B.
Indiana UniversityBA in MediaHi! My name is Danielle Brawrmen and I am a current freshman at Indiana University – Bloomington. I am a first-generation student in the United States and am pursuing a BA in Media with a concentration in Media Technologies, Games, and Culture and a specialization in Digital Journalism. JELF’s last dollar assistance has allowed me the opportunity to pursue my ideal major at my dream school, and I am forever grateful for that.
I am fortunate enough to have my family contribute to my tuition, but without JELF, none of it would have been possible. Before graduation, I hope to study abroad and participate in some sort of internship in order to develop a better concept of what is expected of me post-graduation. After graduation I would love to be a creative consultant/editor for some sort of magazine. Since I was younger, I have always wanted to be part of that fast-paced environment and I am working hard in order to achieve that goal. I am extremely grateful to JELF for allowing me the opportunity to pursue the best education for me and am thankful to everyone who played a part in helping me be here.
STanding by our jelfies
In 2021 JELF recipients from all over the country gave their thanks to JELF to the tune of Stand By Me! From clergy to a mental health rehabilitation counselor and so many more, JELFies continue to inspire us with their passions and commitment to giving back.