Top Israel Scholarships for High School Students 2026 | Grants & Awards

Discover top scholarship programs for high school students traveling to Israel. Updated list of grants and awards with application deadlines and award amounts for 2026.

January Scholarships

Dream Israel Grants (Jewish National Fund USA)

Why It Slaps: The Dream Israel initiative empowers American teens to earn major travel grants by fundraising for projects in Israel. By raising money for a JNF-USA project, each student can receive up to $7,500 toward an approved Israel study program. This makes once-expensive gap-year or study-abroad experiences far more affordable. The program not only subsidizes tuition and travel, but also deepens participants’ connection to Israel by tying their trip to meaningful charitable goals. It’s open to all U.S. high school students (through their senior year).
Amount: Up to $7,500 in grants.
Deadline: Ongoing (apply anytime, start fundraising well before your trip).
Apply/Info: Register for Dream Israel

RootOne Israel Travel Scholarships

Why It Slaps: RootOne offers a rare high-value subsidy for Jewish teens’ Israel trips, reducing costs by thousands. Qualified 9th–11th graders (and rising 12th graders in the summer) who enroll in a RootOne-affiliated Israel program can apply for vouchers to cover up to $3,000 of their trip cost. These vouchers are deducted from the program fee, making intensive or longer tours affordable. RootOne’s national initiative is backed by major Jewish organizations, connecting these students with their Jewish peers even before departure.
Amount: Up to $3,000 voucher.
Deadline: Ongoing (apply through your chosen trip provider).
Apply/Info: RootOne Scholarships

March Scholarships

Houston Federation Camp & Israel Scholarships

Why It Slaps: The Greater Houston Jewish Federation awards need-based scholarships to make Israel travel accessible for local teens. Qualified 10th–12th graders from the Houston area can apply for grants toward the costs of approved Israel programs (summer or year-long) and may receive up to two awards during high school. The program reviews applications starting early in the year and prioritizes longer trips, so applying by early March is key. By providing substantial funding for Israel experiences, this program ensures that financial barriers don’t prevent Houston-area youth from experiencing Israel.
Amount: Varies by need (families with household income up to $250,000 may apply).
Deadline: March 1, 2026 (for long-term Israel programs; priority deadline April 14; final deadline May 1, 2026).
Apply/Info: Houston Federation Scholarships

CJP Teen Israel Travel Scholarship (Boston)

Why It Slaps: Combined Jewish Philanthropies (Boston) provides $1,500 grants for local Jewish high school students’ Israel trips. Eligible 8th–12th graders in the Boston area who register for an organized Israel program can receive this award. Winning this scholarship dramatically reduces the trip’s cost, turning an expensive summer or semester abroad into an affordable opportunity. By focusing on community travel programs, CJP’s grant strengthens teens’ Jewish identity and makes a life-changing Israel experience financially accessible.
Amount: $1,500.
Deadline: March 13, 2026 (summer programs).
Apply/Info: CJP Teen Israel Travel Application

JUF Israel Experience High School Scholarship (Chicago)

Why It Slaps: The Jewish United Fund of Chicago offers need-based scholarships enabling local Jewish teens to attend Israel programs. Award amounts range up to $3,500, making it one of the largest community-sponsored Israel scholarships in the U.S. Winning this award can eliminate most or all of a trip’s cost, so students can focus on the educational experience rather than finances. The program has multiple application deadlines (spring, summer, winter), giving families flexibility. For committed students seeking a deep connection to Israel, securing this scholarship is a major boost.
Amount: Up to $3,500.
Deadline: March 15, 2026 (summer programs; also deadlines June 1 and Nov 1, 2026).
Apply/Info: JUF Israel Scholarship Program

Kaplen JCC Israel Summer Experience Scholarship (New Jersey)

Why It Slaps: The Kaplen JCC on the Palisades (Tenafly, NJ) awards merit scholarships to help Bergen County teens afford summer Israel programs. Up to four winners receive $1,000 each toward an approved summer Israel trip. Recipients are asked to share their journey with peers afterward, which amplifies the learning for the whole community. By funding multiple $1,000 awards, the JCC opens the door for more students to explore Israel and strengthen their Jewish identity without being held back by cost.
Amount: Up to $1,000.
Deadline: March 16, 2026.
Apply/Info: Israel Summer Experience Application (PDF)