Jewish/Israel summer experience scholarship applications available

The Jewish Federation of Pinellas & Pasco Counties is now accepting applications for the 2011 Covenant Fund Youth Awards, which offers scholarships for a Jewish or Israel summer experience.

There are three different categories of awards: “sleep away camp” awards for children in grades 4-8; high school awards for those in grades 9–12 and Covenant Fund College Awards (for accredited study only). Scholarships are awarded on a need base only.

“Every study conducted over the past 20 years has reached the same conclusion that there is no substitute for sending one’s child on a Jewish/Israel experience, whether to a summer program in Israel, to a recognized Jewish summer camp or program sponsored by a nationally or internationally recognized Jewish/Israel youth organization,” said Bonnie Friedman, executive director of the Jewish Federation of Pinellas & Pasco Counties.

Since the Federation established the Covenant Fund 12 years ago, it has awarded more than 300 scholarships. Collectively, the youth have opted for a wide variety of programs including the USY Israel-Poland Pilgrimage and Machon in Israel program, and summer camps such as Camp Ramah and Camp Coleman.

The Jewish Federation is accepting applications through Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011.

For more information on the Covenant Fund or to request an application, go online to www.jewishpinellas. org or contact Rita Long at the Federation at (727) 530-3223.