HIAS Immigration & Citizenship Scholarship

5 Undergraduate Awards, 4 Graduate Awards, 1 Purdue Scholar Award – $7500 per award!
Thank you for your interest in applying for a HIAS Chicago Scholarship. Applications are now being accepted through February 1, 2020.

APPLY ONLINE HERE!

Eligibility Criteria
All applicants must identify as one of the following:
­An individual who came to the United States with the assistance of HIAS Chicago; OR
­A U.S.-born child or grandchild of someone who immigrated to the United States with the assistance of HIAS Chicago; OR
Someone who applied, or whose family applied, for Permanent Residency (i.e. a “Green Card") or citizenship with the assistance of HIAS Chicago.
In addition, applicants must:
Identify as Jewish;
­Have lived in the United States for a minimum of 2 years;
­Demonstrate academic excellence, financial need, community service to the Jewish and broader communities, and a well-thought out educational plan;
Plan to begin or continue undergraduate or graduate level education on a full-time basis in a four year college or university in the 2019-2020 academic year.

Note that the following items are required as part of the online application submission:
Responses to three essay questions on topics including volunteerism, Jewish community engagement, and your/your family’s immigration history;
A school transcript that includes your most current GPA (Grade Point Average);
Information on your/your family’s finances, including projections about costs, expenses and debts associated with study.
A copy of your or your family’s most recent tax return or an explanation of why your family was not required to file income taxes. (NOTE: If you are financially dependent upon your parents, please submit a copy of your parents’ tax return. If you are financially independent, only your tax return is required).
If you are selected as a finalist for a HIAS Scholarship, you will be required to submit two sealed letters of recommendation from school faculty/counselors or community activity supervisors.

Scholarship winners will be selected by the HIAS Scholarship Committee. Awards will be granted in June 2020. Due to the limitations of available funds, former winners of HIAS scholarships are not eligible to receive the same category of award.

Questions? Contact Jessica Schaffer at JessicaSchaffer@jcfs.org or 312-673-3232.

Essay Questions
Volunteerism: Describe volunteer efforts that you have been a part of. How have these experiences impacted your worldview and/or your educational aspirations?
Jewish Community Engagement: Describe ways in which you engage Jewishly. What activities do you participate in? Have you been a part of Jewish organizations and/or volunteered your time in the Jewish community? Highlight a Jewish experience that has been particularly impactful.
Immigration: Describe your and/or your family’s immigration to the United States. How have you been affected by the immigrant experience? How has the immigrant experience impacted your educational and career choices?