Application for the 2024-2025 Academic Year is open through April 30, 2024
The sole Jewish organization exclusively focused on college financial aid, the Jewish Educational Loan Fund (JELF), has provided more than $16 million to 5,500 students in the five-state region of Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia (excluding metro DC), since 1961. It boasts a remarkable 99% repayment rate.
In 2023, JELF provided 0% interest loans to 438 students, disbursing a total of $2,025,261. Among them, 10 Jewish students from Tidewater received support amounting to $54,915 for their academic pursuits.
As the 2024-25 academic year approaches, JELF invites Jewish students to apply for interest-free loans tailored for higher education, covering college, graduate school, and vocational programs. The application period is open through April 30, 2024.
JELF works with Michelle Walter from Jewish Family Service of Tidewater to aid local Jewish students in achieving their educational aspirations.
Applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible for a JELF loan:
- Permanent resident of FL, GA, SC, NC, and VA (excluding metro DC)
- Enrolled full-time in a program leading to a degree or certificate.
- U.S. citizen or have lawful immigration status.
- In good academic standing.
- Able to provide a co-signer that resides in the U.S.
- Planning to accept federal subsidized and unsubsidized loans.
JELF’s interest-free loans cover educational and living expenses often overlooked by traditional financial aid, including travel, rent, food, and books. By offering 0% interest loans, JELF saves borrowers thousands of dollars annually, alleviating the burden of high-interest student loan debt that affects 45 million Americans.
The unique strength of JELF’s “free loan” model lies in its sustainability. Repaid funds continue to serve the next generation of students, forming a cycle of support. While former recipients pay back their loans, community donors remain essential to meeting the challenges of rising tuition and inflation.
For more information about JELF and to support its mission, visit jelf.org, email info@jelf.org, or call 770-396-3080.