Thank You for your commitment Your donation will help shape the future of Jewish students in need.

Ilana D.

“JELF helped me with part of my tuition during my four years at college from 1982-1986 so I could get an education! I am grateful for this assistance and still use my degree everyday! I was able to pay my loan back quickly and really appreciate the assistance that was afforded to me.”

Larisa K.

I 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. 

Tomer T.

“There was a low point in my life where I couldn’t feed myself. JELF provided me with the funds to be able to pay for basic life necessities. That’s why it’s so important to me as a donor to give back to JELF. Without JELF I don’t think I would have completed my undergraduate degree. I wouldn’t be sitting here.”

Jane S.

JELF taught me early on about value on resourcefulness in pursuing your dreams. I had merit scholarships, but they were not enough to cover my tuition and books. JELF’s loan supplemented my scholarship funds and gave me the peace of mind to focus on my studies without worrying about finances. Thank you, JELF, for supporting me and so many others!

Matthew E.

“JELF has provided me with the comfort that I could pay for things like rent and food while focusing on my studies and involvement in Jewish extracurriculars!”

Marnie S.

JELF has allowed me to attend an out of state college that best fits my need for my major. I am to get a hands on education and attend a school that allows me to experience sports journalism. I hope to return to Atlanta one day and report for our state’s teams!

Lianne M.

When I was younger my parents gave me a reality check by telling me that my only college option was community college. Nonetheless, after 4 years of hard work, 20 college applications, and the generosity of JELF I was able to accept a spot at USC. It took a lot of convincing, but with the support of JELF my parents confidently let me go pursue my dreams in LA , where I was involved in  Jewish Heritage Program, Jewish Greek Leadership and made the Dean’s List at USC!

Andrew S.

Thank you so much JELF for helping to fund my education!!

Megan W.

“JELF helped take away financial burdens while I attended the University of West Georgia pursuing my marketing degree. I was able to enjoy college life while interning with two non-profits which led to employment at graduation and then became building blocks for the consulting role I am now in.”

I grew up in Lawrenceville, GA and am the youngest of four siblings.  I have always had a passion for pushing myself outside of my comfort zone.  As a child, I was always active, as a cheerleader, basketball player, Girl Scout, a chorus member (even though I cannot sing to save my life), and other school and community groups. As an adult, I still continue to push myself and now have a passion for traveling, experiencing cultures, and being around people.

Of my siblings, I was the first to attend college and took on the financial responsibility, so that is something I am really proud of.  I was a JELF recipient through my four years of undergrad. JELF has been a huge contributor to my success in school and after.  As many young college graduates learn, student loans are not exactly fun and having a high interest rate is even less fun.

I am now involved in several different aspects in the Jewish community.  I went on Birthright shortly after graduating college and then began playing with social sports at the JCC.  I then got involved in the Jewish Federation and co-chaired the Birthright Alumni involvement at the Federation, staffed Birthright trips, and played sports at the JCC, in addition to attending social events throughout the community.

Shortly after college, I began my career in marketing and consulting. My advice to any young professional, is to find a career that will help you develop both personally as well as professionally. It truly makes a huge difference. I am enjoying getting involved with entrepreneur friends and helping them with social media, word of mouth, or other outlets.

In 2012 and again in 2017, I had the opportunity to share my story at large JELF events and I was so glad to be there so that I could represent the importance of JELF and the difference it can make.  Having these interest-free loans for school made such a difference for me, and also truly affected the years after college and my ability to succeed.  Thanks, JELF!

Brittany F.

Not only did JELF help make it possible for me to afford Vanderbilt University, a top-15 private school, but it was at Vanderbilt Hillel where I first understood how fulfilling it is to be a part of a Jewish community. It was at Vanderbilt where I went to Israel for the first time on a Birthright Trip with my classmates. And it was at Vanderbilt where I met my husband Andrew – who has truly made my dreams come true. I am incredibly grateful and committed to giving back to this fantastic fund that has brought so many blessings into my life.

Rachel D.

“Thanks to JELF, I was able to attend the University of Central Florida (UCF) and taking my General Education classes toward my goal of attending medical school in the future.  I enjoyed my studies as well as my sorority.  Thanks, JELF, for helping me achieve these goals and getting me to where I am today!”

Allison F.

Without JELF I would have no way to pay the remainder of my tuition after scholarships and grants. With the help of JELF, I am able to earn my bachelor’s degree so that I can pursue my career goals of becoming a Marriage and Family Therapist. I am so thankful for every person who has donated to JELF so that other students who are just like me are able to achieve their goals.