Los Angeles – JVS SoCal, a leading human services agency focused on workforce development, presented scholarships to 214 Jewish students at an award ceremony held at Sinai Temple on July 27. This year the scholarships ranged from $1,000 to $10,000, for a total of $820,000.
“This program was created to provide a bridge of opportunity for Jewish students and their families,” said Jeff Carr, Chief Executive Officer at JVS SoCal. This program is successful because of its volunteers and how much they care about their work and the scholars that benefit from it.” This is the 51st year the agency has awarded these need-based scholarships as part of a legacy program devoted to and funded by the Jewish community. To date, the JVS Scholarship Program has awarded $13.4 million to over 6,000 students.
“The Jewish Community Foundation of Los Angeles has been a steadfast and incredible partner in this program since its inception 51 years ago,” said David Bolour, co-chair of the Scholarship Committee. “Their support has been immeasurable, and we are truly grateful. Our partnership with The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles has been invaluable.”
Jonathan Karp, co-chair of the Committee, reminded scholars and donors that the cost of attending college and student loan debt have been on the rise. The JVS Scholarship Program helps students alleviate some of that burden and allows them to pursue their dreams.
Aerospace Experimental Psychologist, Dr. Skylar J. Laham, keynote speaker and Scholarship alumni, thanked donors and supporters for making his work with NASA and the military possible. “By working in advancing technology to meet the mental health and physical needs of humans in remote environments, I am fulfilling my dreams of working at the forefront of space science while at the same time contributing to humanity in a meaningful way.”
Carr summed up the importance of the scholarship program and encouraged attendees to continue supporting the dreams of the Jewish students from Southern California. “Education is often the first and most critical step on the road to a fulfilling and meaningful career path – the gateway to plentiful options and endless opportunity. Dr. Laham’s testimony is proof of the power of communal programs like ours,” concluded Carr.
About JVS SoCal:
Founded in 1931, JVS SoCal is a nonprofit, non-sectarian social service agency, providing job training, career services, mentoring and placement assistance to diverse and multicultural populations, transforming lives and empowering individuals to achieve dignity and economic independence through sustainable employment. With over 20 locations throughout Southern California, JVS SoCal currently serves over 30,000 clients annually in Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Orange Counties.
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