Awards, Scholarships, and Israel Engagment

Do you know an outstanding community member—or are you one yourself?
Nominate them, or apply, for a JCA Scholarship!



Our scholarships help ensure that JCA programs and initiatives remain accessible to community members who might not otherwise be able to participate. We’re dedicated to offering inclusive, welcoming opportunities for all individuals and families who want to be part of the vibrant life of our organization.

High School Awards Scholarships Gift of Israel Support Our Scholarships and Awards

High School Awards

To apply for a high school award, please send an email to ainbar@mainejewish.org detailing which scholarship(s) you'd like to apply or nominate someone for, and include a brief description of relevant achievements. Please also ask your school to forward a copy of your transcript to jca@mainejewish.org.

Stephen Brent Jacobson Scholarship Award

Stephen Jacobson was always active in the JCC, from his early days at Center Day Camp through receiving the Robert J. Agger Award and participating on the softball teams. He always displayed a sense of commitment and community. Stephen was not only well liked, but admired and respected. He always had a smile on his face. As many may remember, Stephen's life was tragically cut short. Stephen's commitment to both the Jewish and general community went far beyond what one would expect from one so young. In his memory, the Jewish Community Alliance and the Jacobson Family established a scholarship fund and award to be given to a Jewish graduating high school senior who best exemplifies Stephen's ideas, compassion, leadership and desire. While this award is of great significance to the Jewish Community, the accompanying tangible award is in the nature of an honorarium.

The President's Cup (Scholarship Award)

The President's Cup award is presented to the Jewish graduating high school senior from among Southern Maine high schools who has attained the highest grade point average during his or her high school career.


While this award is of great significance to the Jewish Community, the accompanying tangible award is in the nature of an honorarium.

The Robert J. Agger Memorial Award

As a student at Portland High School, Robert Agger was an outstanding three-sport athlete in the class of 1928. He was a true sportsman and was respected by everyone with whom he played. The Robert J. Agger Memorial Award is presented to a Jewish graduating high school senior who has displayed sportsmanship, leadership and athletic ability throughout his or her high school career. While this award is of great significance to the Jewish Community, the accompanying tangible award is in the nature of an honorarium.

Charlie Miller Award

The Charlie Miller Award was established in memory of Charlie Miller, whose leadership helped to define and shape our community for decades. Charlie was a true mensch, bringing joy, support, and care to everyone with whom he interacted. He was a larger-than-life figure, with a tremendous personal presence, a searching and seeking intelligence, and an incredibly generous spirit. He spread happiness to his family and to everyone surrounding him. He was an accomplished and well-respected attorney, a strong advocate for justice, and a leader of legendary song circles that captivated generations of children in our community.


The Charlie Miller Award is given each year to a high school senior who represents the best of our community; someone who freely shares their talents and gifts, and whose kindness and care for others spreads joy and helps to bring healing to the world.

Scholarships

To apply for a scholarship, please send an email to ainbar@mainejewish.org detailing which scholarship(s) to which you'd like to apply or nominate someone for, and include a brief description of relevant achievements.

Linda and Joel Abromson Award

The Jewish Community Alliance is proud to announce that it is accepting applications for the Linda and Joel Abromson Award, which provides a scholarship to community members who have envisioned a project, allowing the applicant the opportunity to explore Jewish life in unique and creative ways.


Applicants are required to submit a letter of support for their project, a description of the project and how it would benefit the community, the project time frame, the estimated cost and budget for the project, a resume, and the amount they are requesting. The committee will review all proposals and may follow up with applicants with any additional questions. 

Apply

I'll guide you to amazing places

The Gift of Israel (GOI) program enables Jewish students from Southern Maine to have an Israel experience as a meaningful part of their Jewish education. The Gift of Israel program is a unique partnership among families, temples and synagogues, and the Jewish Community Alliance of Southern Maine (JCA). It is an effort to assist families in contributing funds toward an educational program in Israel for participating students, and is promoted by local congregations.

01

How it Works

Once families are signed on with the Gift of Israel program and make their minimum annual contribution of $150, the JCA will contribute $150/student per year until the child enters the 10th grade. The maximum amount a student can receive from the JCA, if s/he participates in the program for the full length of time, grades 1-5, is $1500.


The family is a second partner in the Gift of Israel program. A family's annual contribution must be at least $150, placed into a special savings account, opened at Signature Bank, through an arrangement with the national Gift of Israel Program. Each participant will have his/her own account.


Local synagogues will be promoting the Gift of Israel program in their congregations. Participating synagogues will make contributions of $50 per year, per participant.


For more information, please download an enrollment packet. Questions? Contact our Development Department.

02

Eligibility

The Gift of Israel program is open to:

  1. Jewish students entering first grade who are enrolled in good standing in a religious school or an equivalent program approved by a Rabbi.
  2. In addition, the student and his/her family members are in good standing with their respective congregation and are donors to the JCA.


Families may register for the program by contacting the Development Office at the JCA to receive a Participation Agreement. Registration for new families will be every year by March 1. After registering through the JCA, families will be provided with the appropriate paperwork to set up an account with Signature Bank. Family contributions will remain the property of the family.

03

Using the Funds

An approved Israel program must be:

  1. Educational in Nature
  2. Staffed by qualified personnel
  3. At least two weeks in length, structured with a predetermined itinerary
  4. For a peer group of young people
  5. Organized by a non-profit organization, education institiution, or religious institution

Scholarships & Funds

Scholarships allow our programs and initiatives to touch a broad array of community members for whom participation might not otherwise be possible. We are committed to inclusive programming for all individuals and families who want to become part of the vibrant life of this organization.


Donate to Scholarships Donate to the Charlie Miller Award

If You Want To Learn More, Please Get In Touch!



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