top of page

Houston Hillel Student Scholarships

​

Through the generosity of visionary leaders, Houston Hillel provides Jewish students with scholarships for travel and study. All scholarship awards are administered by Houston Hillel's Programming Committee. Students who meet the criteria for each award must complete an application consisting of the following elements:

  • Letter of Interest to include a description of the program or project for which scholarship is intended, rationale for the student’s participation in the program or project, and amount of scholarship request. Digital (such as a website URL) or print material about the proposed program is welcome. The applicant should send the Letter of Interest directly to Rabbi Kenny Weiss at kweiss@houstonhillel.org.

  • One Letter of Recommendation written by a Jewish professional (such as clergy or Jewish communal professional), a person associated with Judaism or Israel (such as a Jewish studies professor), or an instructor who can speak to the student's proposal. The letter of recommendation may not come from a Jewish professional employed by Houston Hillel. The person writing the Letter of Recommendation should send the letter directly to Rabbi Kenny Weiss at kweiss@houstonhillel.org.

​

Morris and Shirley Rapoport Prize

The Morris and Shirley Rapoport Prize helps a Jewish student participate in an academic experience outside of Houston. The academic experience can take place in the United States or in a foreign country. 

 

Criteria for applicants

  • The Prize is a single $1,000 grant awarded annually. 

  • The Prize must be used for an academic experience of a Jewish nature.

  • Scholarships will be awarded to freshman, sophomores, or juniors. Seniors are eligible for scholarships if currently a member of the Houston Hillel student board.

  • Houston Hillel prefers that scholarship award checks be issued only to the qualifying program selected by the applicant, and not to the student. Requests that checks be issued directly to the student will be considered on an individual basis.

  • Upon completion of the program the scholarship recipient must write a reflection essay of at least 400 words summarizing their experience to be published in the local Jewish newspaper or for Houston Hillel’s promotional purposes. The recipient must also be available to report on his/her experience to the Houston Hillel Board of Directors.

​

Raymond Plotkin Memorial Scholarship

In 2009, Raymond Plotkin, just shy of his 19th birthday, was a bright, happy and aspiring nuclear engineering student at the University of New Mexico and a member of Hillel at the University. Unexpectedly, Raymond passed away from complication of the H1N1 virus. It is with great love and pride that Raymond’s Aunt Marlene and Uncle Bob established a scholarship to celebrate Raymond’s life by helping Jewish students achieve their educational dreams.

 

Criteria for applicants

  • Scholarships are limited to $500 per student, and must not exceed the scholarship funds budgeted for each year.

  • Scholarship funds must be used for activities of a Jewish nature (i.e., conventions or trips related to Judaism or Israel advocacy).

  • Scholarships will be awarded to freshman, sophomores, or juniors. Seniors are eligible for scholarships if currently a member of the Houston Hillel student board.

  • Houston Hillel prefers that scholarship award checks be issued only to the qualifying program selected by the applicant, and not to the student. Requests that checks be issued directly to the student will be considered on an individual basis.

  • Upon completion of the program the scholarship recipient must write a reflection essay of at least 400 words summarizing their experience to be published in the local Jewish newspaper or for Houston Hillel’s promotional purposes. The recipient must also be available to report on his/her experience to the Houston Hillel Board of Directors.

​

Desiree and Max Blankfeld Scholarship

In 2013 Desiree and Max Blankfeld established a fund to encourage and share the experience of visiting Israel by helping Jewish students participate in an Israel experience. The fund provides scholarships that help Jewish students participate in an Israel experience in the State of Israel. 

​

Criteria for applicants

  • Scholarships are limited to $500 per student, and must not exceed the scholarship funds budgeted for each year.

  • Scholarship funds must be used for activities of a Jewish nature (i.e., conventions or trips related to Judaism or Israel advocacy).

  • Scholarships will be awarded to freshman, sophomores, or juniors. Seniors are eligible for scholarships if currently a member of the Houston Hillel student board.

  • Houston Hillel prefers that scholarship award checks be issued only to the qualifying program selected by the applicant, and not to the student. Requests that checks be issued directly to the student will be considered on an individual basis.

  • Upon completion of the program the scholarship recipient must write a reflection essay of at least 400 words summarizing their experience to be published in the local Jewish newspaper or for Houston Hillel’s promotional purposes. The recipient must also be available to report on his/her experience to the Houston Hillel Board of Directors.

​

bottom of page