School: Wurzweiler School of Social Work, Yeshiva University, New York City 
Pursuing a Masters in Social Work (community organizing track) and Certificate in Jewish Communal Studies. Expected graduation: May 2009

Student Internship: United Jewish Appeal-Federation of New York in the Caring Commission (community planning) and the Lawyers Development Division (campaign).

When I first heard about the FEREP graduate scholarship, I knew it was a perfect opportunity for me!  I had been working in the Jewish communal field in New York City for 3 years before attending graduate school full time and it was daunting to me to not have a steady income while also having the need to pay for graduate school.  Once I was accepted as a FEREP, I was relieved to not have to worry about a majority of the graduate school payments.  However, money was an equal motivator to the professional opportunities that would exist for me as a FEREP recipient.  After a 10-day mission to Israel with UJA-Federation of New York, I saw the impact that federated/communal giving has and I wanted to be a part of that system that has such important history and has made a huge impact in the world. Additionally, the FEREP program offered me the opportunity to expand my personal and professional networks by meeting new people in my cohort group, and by going to conferences such as UJC’s General Assembly.  Lastly, I know that I will have the credentials to obtain a great job upon graduation because of the FEREP program’s professional development opportunities and great reputation for training future professionals in the field.

As a FEREP, I have been able to take my master’s education to the next step; applying the theory that I have learned in the classroom to the work that is done within a non profit organization.  Through the FEREP program, I have been able to participate in conference calls throughout the year with key professionals in the Jewish federation system, attend UJC’s General Assembly, and most of all have had a great learning experience in the field during my internship at UJA-Federation of New York.  I have been able to work on very engaging, challenging and motivating projects that align with the mission of the Jewish federation system, specifically UJA-Federation of New York. Throughout my time as a FEREP, I have met peers that will be in the Jewish field working along side me for years to come and I am grateful for this network.

I hope to find a job within the Jewish federation that enables me to grow professionally, continue to be challenged, keep me to remain motivated and most importantly, enable me to be excited about going to work each day and be proud of what I am accomplishing in a day’s work. 

The FEREP program has a limited number of community-designated scholarships.  I was fortunate to receive the Ernest Michel FEREP that will place me at the UJA-Federation of New York after I graduate.