Need Money for the Spring/Summer 2020 Terms?

Applications for Jewish Educational Loan Fund’s interest-free loans for higher education (college, graduate school and vocational programs) will be open September 1-30 on jelf.org to Jewish students in the metro Atlanta area for the period January through August 2020.

In partnership with the Atlanta Jewish Family & Career Services, JELF helps Jewish students reach their academic goals. While there are many organizations that provide interest-free loans, JELF is distinct in that it is the only Jewish organization in the U.S. focused solely on higher education.

To qualify, the applicant must be:

• A permanent resident of FL, GA, SC, NC or VA (excluding metro DC) but can attend any U.S. accredited school,

• Enrolled full time in a program leading to a degree or certificate and in good academic standing,

• A U.S. citizen or have lawful immigration status,

• Have a designated co-signer, and

• Able to demonstrate financial need (2019 FAFSA application required).

Loans provided by JELF help pay the necessary living expenses that other financial aid doesn’t cover, such as travel, rent, food and books. JELF’s “no-interest” student loans save borrowers thousands of dollars in high-interest bearing debt.

The strength of the longstanding “Free Loan” model is funds are lent to those in need, yet once the borrower can repay, the repayment goes to the next student – and so on. Thus, the same funds are recycled indefinitely, and the organization can help future students in need. In addition, donors can see their donations continue to do good far into the future. “This is the only type of organization I know of that when I write a check I know exactly where it’s going, and it keeps going. My dollars never die,” says Stan Lowenstein, a long-time JELF volunteer and current President of the Board.

ABOUT JELF

JELF provides interest-free last dollar loans for higher education to Jewish students in need, bridging the gap between a student’s total financial resources and the cost of attending school. Since 1961, JELF has provided over $12.5 million to 4500+ students from JELFs five-state region of Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia (excluding metro DC). JELF is proud to boast a 99 percent repayment rate and strongly believes that money should not stand between a student and the education that he or she needs to excel in life. The JELF board and staff are active in supporting students and their families, and in attracting the financial resources JELF needs to meet an ever-increasing demand for loans.

ABOUT JEWISH FAMILY AND CAREER SERVICES ATLANTA

JF&CS, established in 1891, helps improve the quality of life and build self-sufficiency for individuals and families in greater Atlanta. We are a welcoming community and provide counseling and career support, and services for older adults and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Additionally, we operate a full-service dental clinic. Our highly skilled professionals serve thousands of individuals annually regardless of age, race, religion, national origin or ability to pay. JF&CS is a proud partner of the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta and United Way of Greater Atlanta. Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities.

For more information about JELF in Atlanta, contact Yael Stein at 770-677-9305 or ystein@jfcsatlanta.org.