Student Funding

The KU Jewish Studies Program relies on support from our donors and funders whose generosity ensures the history, culture, language, and religion of the Jewish people continues to be taught at the University of Kansas. 

The Danciger Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Kansas City provides critical funding that supports Jewish Studies students through merit, service, and need-based awards.The David and Sharyn Katzman award recognizes a graduating major for academic excellence in Jewish Studies. The Shelley M. Rissien Fund provides support for the study of the Hebrew language. The Harvey Bodker Study Abroad Award and The Donald and Regina Miller Fund provide support for study abroad in Israel. 

Please email jewishstudies@ku.edu should you have any questions. 

 

 

  • $500 awarded at the end of the Fall and Spring semesters.
  • Candidates must be actively pursuing a BA in Jewish Studies; and
  • Attend at least three Jewish Studies events per semester; and
  • Attend a one hour-long Jewish Studies Learning Community round-table each semester led by the Director of Undergraduate Studies or the Jewish Studies Director. 
  • $500 award offered Fall and Spring semesters
  • Granted to students who research and present on any topic in Jewish studies, the format can include a capstone research paper or a research poster presentation
  • Must be enrolled in 300-level courses and above and conducting research as part of their course assignments
  • Students are encouraged to consult their professors or research mentor to develop the nature of their work.
  • Recipients are required to present their research either at the Undergraduate Research Symposium through the Center for Undergraduate Research or before the Jewish Studies Faculty Committee and students of the program.
  • Candidates are nominated by faculty, or can self-nominate by emailing JewishStudies@ku.edu.
  • Research is reviewed by the Jewish Studies Faculty Award Committee.  
  • 1st place $500
  • 2nd place $300
  • 3rd place $200
  • Offered in the Fall semester only
  • Open to all Jewish Studies majors and minors who submit an original essay of no more than 5,000 words on any Jewish studies topic of their choice, including language, history, literature, culture, religion.
  • To submit an essay for consideration, email JewishStudies@ku.edu.
  • Essays are reviewed by the Jewish Studies Faculty Award Committee 
  • $500 award
  • Awarded in the Spring to students at any level of Hebrew.
  • Awarded to students of Hebrew who have displayed academic excellence or notable improvement related to their Hebrew studies throughout the academic year
  • All students enrolled in two semesters of Hebrew courses per academic year can qualify for this award.
  • Nominated by Hebrew language instructor and reviewed by Jewish Studies Faculty Award Committee. 
  • $500 award
  • Students must be enrolled in JWSH 650 (Service Learning in Jewish Studies)
  • Students are encouraged to participate in the Center for Service Learning with the goal of completing a Certificate in Service Learning.
  • Nominated by the faculty mentor, or
  • Students can request funding to offset costs related to their service which could include travel expenses, materials, and technology (documentation of costs required). 
  • $500-$2000 depending on need
  • Awarded to Jewish Studies majors and minors
  • Candidates must submit a short narrative detailing explanation of need.
  • All submissions are confidential
  • No deadline to apply
  • Students can apply once a semester by sending an email detailing need to JewishStudies@ku.edu.
  • Awards are determined by the Director of Jewish Studies  
  • $500 award
  • Awarded to graduating Jewish Studies majors or minors who enrich the Program experience through:
  • Spearheading student events and (Hebrew language) roundtables
  • Providing peer support through tutoring and mentoring initiatives
  • Volunteering at Jewish Studies events
  • Taking on leadership roles within the program
  • Acting as a spokesperson for Jewish Studies
  • Nominated by Jewish Studies faculty and staff and reviewed by Jewish Studies Danciger Fellowship Committee 
  • Monetary award (varies from year to year)
  • Awarded to a senior graduating with a BA in Jewish Studies
  • Based on academic excellence in Jewish Studies
  • Nominated by Jewish Studies faculty and selected by the Jewish Studies Faculty Award Committee. 

The Shelley M. Rissien Fund, established in May 2025, awards students who are dedicated to the study of the Hebrew language and demonstrate academic excellence. 

This award was created by Mr. Harvey Bodker in honor of the memory of Rabbi Morris Margolies, senior rabbi at Congregation Beth Shalom and longtime professor of Jewish Studies at KU.  

  • Provides direct financial support for KU degree-seeking students studying abroad in Israel in the program of Jewish Studies at the University of Kansas.
  • Support may include, but is not limited to, travel expenses, passport fees, and visa applications.
  • Award distribution at the discretion of the Director of Jewish Studies and in accordance with KU Policy on Study Abroad.
  • To apply, email JewishStudies@ku.edu.
  • Provides direct financial support for KU degree seeking students studying abroad in Israel in the program of Jewish Studies at the University of Kansas.
  • Support may include, but is not limited to travel expenses, passport fees, and visa applications.
  • Student may apply for this award.
  • Award distribution at the discretion of the Director of Jewish Studies and in accordance with KU Policy on Study Abroad.
  • To apply, email JewishStudies@ku.edu.