The annual scholarship competition sponsored by HIAS, the global migration agency of the American Jewish community, is open and accepting applications for 2012. HIAS-assisted refugees who immigrated to the United States are eligible to apply.
Last year, HIAS’ annual scholarship program, established in 1974, became HIAS Scholars, a program that incorporates both community-service and leadership development components. Awardees participate in community building projects serving local immigrant communities. Additionally, participants develop important leadership skills through targeted training and educational programming both online and in person that address Jewish perspectives on contemporary immigration issues, advocacy skills building, genealogy, and career development.
Each grantee receives an award of $4,000 toward his or her higher education and will automatically become a member of HIAS Young Leaders, a community of young professionals and students devoted to furthering HIAS’ mission of helping migrants and advocating for fair and just immigration laws.
Last year, awards were given to 60 deserving U.S. students; the awards are made possible by generous donations from individuals around the world, many of whom were personally helped by HIAS.
Scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence, financial need, and community service. High school seniors and students of all ages already enrolled in college, professional, vocational, or graduate-school programs are eligible to apply. Applicants must have attended an American high school, college, or graduate school for at least one year.
Applications are available online only. Eligibility requirements and the application form can be found at www.hias.org/scholarship. The online application must be submitted by midnight EST on February 29. HIAS also awards scholarships in Israel; for more information, please visit www.hias.org.
