~ Heritage Scholars ~

The Heritage Scholars classes have made me much more comfortable with my own identity as a Jew. Previously, my identity as a Jew was always assumed and yet with no definition. This program affirmed my Jewish pride. These classes were informational and changed how I feel about my religion. I stand much closer than I thought. Now I have a clearer view of what kind of Jew I am and want to be.

Ava T.
Cornell University

Heritage Scholars was much more than I anticipated. The collection of students and the leader of the discussions and classes were both great. Class participation kept the discussions interesting and engaging. I had a lot of fun during the Shabbat in Scottsdale where I enjoyed the company of very kind and intelligent people. Experiencing their families live and up front was also great. I would definitely do a program like this again.
Joe G.
Arizona State University

Before I began Heritage Scholars, I knew very little about being Jewish. Now I understand what it means to be Jewish a lot better. I never really knew how Judaism focused on forging genuine, meaningful relationships. Learning about how traditional Judaism views the importance of these relationships and the role love plays in a Jewish marriage was very meaningful to me. I will definitely recommend the program to other Jewish law students.
Rebecca R.
Arizona State University

I thought Heritage Scholars was a great experience, especially the open discussion forums. The leading Rabbi gave us the opportunity to address topics that interest Jewish college students. This kind of program is unique because you feel comfortable talking to the Rabbi and your fellow classmates.

David G.
Arizona State University

From the Heritage Scholar program I gained insight into many aspects of my Jewish heritage. I learned a lot about larger Jewish ideals that shape life as whole. I appreciated the Rabbi's openness to questions and willingness to discuss things that matter to college age students. Also, the final retreat opened my eyes to an experience that I would never have had otherwise.

Taylor D.

Arizona State Universit

The Program

What is the goal of Heritage Scholars?
What are the activities of the program?
How long does each program last?
What is the time commitment during the Heritage Scholars program?
Where does the Heritage Scholars program meet?
Who teaches at the program?
How many students are in each learning program?
Is there a Jewish educational requirement to be accepted to the program?
May I contact alumni?
What are the requirements to receive the voucher/scholarship?
What can the voucher/scholarship be used towards?

The Application Process

What is the application/selection process?
When are the application deadlines?
If I am accepted, what are the next steps?

Miscellaneous

Who sponsors the educational program?
How many years has Heritage Scholars been in existence?

1. What is the goal of Heritage Scholars?
The program empowers Jewish university students with a limited Jewish educational background to increase their understanding of their Jewish Heritage. In the process, participants come away deeply enriched, with a new understanding of what it means to be Jewish in today’s world. And they get solid honest answers to real life issues.

2. What are the activities of the program?
Please see our program description and our sample topics in order to better understand the program.

3. How long does each program last?
Each series of the Heritage Scholars program takes place during the college semester. At the discretion of the local coordinator participants sign up for a series of lectures. Students may sign up for more than one series at a time or over the course of the semester one may participate in more than one series Each series is a self contained educational unit and stands alone. However participants may sign up for a one time drop in on a series in order to check it out.
Please contact Heritage Scholars info@ahighereducation.com to find out about specific start dates for each university

4. What is the time commitment during the Heritage Scholars program?
The program will consist of interactive classes and discussion series lasting approximately one hour 3 or 5 times a semester, with a few additional events that will vary from campus to campus

5. Where does the Heritage Scholars program meet?
Heritage Scholars will meet on its own campus. Please contact Heritage Scholars (link to list of schools) for more information.

6. Who teaches at the program?
Renowned Jewish educators will speak from a classical Jewish perspective, on topics crucial to understanding one's Jewish heritage.

7. How many students are in each learning program?
Each semester approximately ten to fifteen students will be accepted to the Heritage Scholars program at each participating university.

8. Is there a Jewish educational requirement to be accepted to the program?
No. The classes do not presuppose prior knowledge of Jewish educational topics to understand the subjects that will be presented. The diverse spectrum of students hails from a wide denominational educational background

9. May I contact alumni?
Yes. Please provide your contact information (email address) by writing to info@ahighereducation.com and a Heritage Scholars’ alumnus near your area will be in contact with you.

10. What are the requirements to receive the voucher/scholarship?
Each participant is required to attend a minimum of eight hours of educational programming and one Shabbat experience. Each participant will also be required to share in online journal entries describing their experiences and impressions as being part of Heritage Scholars for each educational segment. Upon completion of the series scholars will be awarded with a diploma and voucher from University Heritage Society. The diploma will state the lecture series completed by the participant. Lack of attendance or not submitting a journal entry will result in a prorated deduction from the scholarship which is to be received at graduation.

With participation in one series a person becomes an honorary member of UHS for that academic year. In the event that there are regional or national conferences someone who has or is participating actively in at least one series will be invited to attend.

Heritage Scholars’ scholarships can be redeemed for a cash value or can be used towards further programming provided by the University Heritage Society or other national Jewish educational programs partnering with the University Heritage Society

11.What can the voucher/scholarship be used towards?

It is important to note that the voucher does not guarantee you a place in a specific program that it may be applied to. An applicant must apply like any other participant in the event that there is availability and the person is accepted then the benefits of the voucher may apply. The voucher will have different values based on the sponsorship in that city.

It will have a certain cash value, depending on the campus, but it will have substantially more value if applied towards another off campus Jewish educational experience such as Heritage Retreats, Heritage Israel and other partnering organizations.

If the participant is applying the voucher to a program directly sponsored by UHS then a discount will apply up front. However, the participant will be required to participate in the program fully and complete an essay describing what he/she gained from the program. This is relevant when UHS is simply subsidizing the cost of tuition. However if UHS is paying towards airfare at Heritage Retreats or tuition at Heritage Israel then the student will be required to complete the program in good standing in order to receive the full subsidy. Similarly if the program is a program sponsored by a partnering organization the student will have to successfully complete the program. Receive a letter from the organization indicating so and complete the essay online. They will also have to complete the online survey.

For information on additional programs and activities please contact us at info@ahighereducation.com.

The Application Process

1. What is the application/selection process?
The process begins by filling out an online application. Applicants will then be contacted and selected for interviews.

2. When are the application deadlines?
Dates will vary slightly on each campus. In the interim, please submit your online application.

3. If I am accepted, what are the next steps?
At that time, the director of your campus Heritage Scholars program will contact you with further information.

Miscellaneous

1. Who sponsors the educational program?
Heritage Scholars is sponsored by various independent and private philanthropists across the United States who support various Jewish educational development programs.

Through the Heritage Scholars, the community invests in select university students with unique potential to participate in an outstanding experience. After graduation, participants should be prepared to assist their respective communities, thereby giving back to the Jewish people. Through the generous donations of donors in various communities, we seek to offset the crisis by providing the next generation with educated involved Jews.

2. How many years has Heritage Scholars been in existence?
The Heritage Scholars program was developed in 2006 at Cornel University in response to students' desire to further cultivate a foundation in Jewish thought. After building a successful and reputable program, Heritage Scholars has recently begun expansion to other campus locations.