JCF Gail Karp Orgell Scholarship 2026 | Funding for Jewish Female Students
Scholarship Description
The JCF Gail Karp Orgell Scholarship is a specialized financial award managed by the Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund. This scholarship is dedicated to empowering Jewish female students from the San Francisco Bay Area who demonstrate a unique blend of academic brilliance and athletic commitment. Unlike general grants, this program honors students who embody the Jewish values of tzedakah (charity) and tikkun olam (repairing the world). It provides partial funding specifically for those starting their Bachelor’s degree journey at four-year universities within California
Scholarship Details
Host Country: United States (USA).
Funding Type: Partial Funding (Awards typically range from $2,000 to $7,000).
Degree Level: Undergraduate / Bachelor (First-year students/Freshmen).
Target Group: Jewish Female students.
Eligible Regions: Greater San Francisco Bay Area (9 Counties).
Award Focus: Academics, Athletics, and Community Service
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Gail Karp Orgell Scholarship, applicants must strictly meet the following standards:
Gender & Faith: Must identify as a Jewish female high school senior or graduate.
Academic Record: A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale is mandatory.
Athletic Involvement: Candidates must show active participation and achievement in athletics or sports.
Residency: Permanent residency in one of the nine San Francisco Bay Area counties (e.g., San Francisco, Marin, San Mateo, etc.).
Enrollment: Must plan to attend a four-year college or university in California full-time.
Financial Need: Applicants must demonstrate a genuine need for financial assistance.
Application Process
Step 1: Unified Application: Access the Jewish Community Federation scholarship portal. You only need to fill out one general application to be considered for this and other related JCF funds.
Step 2: Essay & Personal Statement: Prepare a short essay reflecting your commitment to Jewish values and how your involvement in sports has shaped your leadership skills.
Step 3: Document Submission: Upload your official transcripts, a brief resume of extracurriculars, and the first page of your family’s most recent Federal Tax Return.
Step 4: Recommendation: Request one letter of recommendation through the portal from a teacher, coach, or community leader. Submit the complete package by the deadline (typically March 15, 2026).
