JELF Awards Interest-Free Loans to Jewish Students in Need

A GIFT THAT TRULY KEEPS ON GIVING

SPECIAL FOR THE AJT

The Jewish Educational Loan Fund (JELF) announced that it will be awarding interest-free loans, totaling $705,000, to 183 students for the 2014-15 academic year, including $233K to students from Georgia.

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JELF’s interest-free loans are intended to fill the gap between the cost of education and the resources students assemble through family contributions, interest-bearing loans, work-study opportunities, grants and scholarships.

The 135-year-old organization serves students in a five-state region that includes Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia.

Applications are reviewed by a panel of JELF volunteers who carefully balance students’ needs with the organization’s limited financial resources. In July, the 2014-15 academic year review sessions were held in Atlanta and, for the first time, Greensboro, N.C., where nearly 30 North Carolina student applications were considered.

“Thirty years ago, JELF was there for me and my family when I faced a gap in funding my education,” noted Rob Rickles, who serves as the organization’s president. “Today, JELF continues to play an essential role in helping Jewish students in need pursue their educational goals, and we are working hard to ensure we keep up with the increasing demand for our loans.”

JELF offers its financial supporters a unique opportunity to invest in the education of local students who are most in need of help. With a 98 percent loan payback rate, donations to JELF are recycled and loaned to additional students, making support for JELF a gift that truly keeps on giving.

As part of its outreach to the community, JELF is pleased to announce a special event featuring radio and television personality Clark Howard on August 13 at 5:30 p.m. at Maggiano’s in Buckhead, 3368 Peachtree Road. Clark will speak about the growing problem of cybercrime and how you can avoid becoming a victim. In addition, a JELF loan recipient will share some thoughts about how JELF has helped his/her fund college. The evening will include a reception with hors d’oeuvres and beverages.

Editor’s note: To register for the event, please visit www.jelf.org/clarkhoward. Information about JELF, including application requirements and opportunities to help students in need, can be found online at www.jelf.org or by calling 770-396-3080.