Scholarship Program 2023

National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is a grassroots organization of volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children, and families, and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms. If you meet the stated criteria, we invite you to apply for a National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW), Colorado Section, 2023 Scholarship. The completed application due date is April 23, 2023 and late applications will not be accepted. A number of scholarships (typically $2,000 each) will be awarded and the recipients will be honored at the end of the 2022-23 school year.

Please scroll down to see more information about our 2023 recipients! We will post updated information about our 2024 scholarships in early 2024.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Identify as a Jewish woman
2. Must be at least 16 years old
3. Colorado resident
4. Has demonstrated financial need as evidenced in submitted FAFSA Student Aid Report (SAR) or CASFA, Financial Aid Award letter from post-secondary institution where the student will be attending in the 2023-24 academic year, and student responses to questions in this application. Exceptional circumstances detailed by the applicant will be taken into consideration.
5. Applied to a college, junior college, community college, vocational or technical school, and plans to attend that post-secondary institution in the 2023-24 academic year. Non-traditional and current college students are welcome to apply.
6. Acceptance letter to post-secondary institution must be provided no later than April 23, 2023.
7. Provide both FAFSA Student Aid Report and Financial Aid Award Letter.
8. Demonstrated academic performance within their class program (e.g., GED, college-prep or vocational program) [via high school or college transcript, or vocational/technical school transcript]
9. Demonstrated Jewish and/or other community involvement as well as personal growth potential [through two letters of recommendation and student essay]. One (1) recommendation letter must be submitted by a teacher, school official, or professor plus one (1) recommendation letter letter submitted by a supervisor or mentor from within the student’s community (e.g., Jewish community or secular community)
10. Completed NCJW Scholarship Application, with all required supporting documentation, including essay and acceptance letter from higher learning institution, submitted online by April 16, 2023 deadline date. Late applications will not be accepted.

For more information on our scholarship program, please contact Shelley Tuteur at shelley.tuteur72996@gmail.com.

For decades we have been providing scholarships to young Jewish Colorado women in need who desiring to continue their education after high school. The scholarships are given in honor of the women who have shaped our organization and by current members for a variety of reasons. A scholarship can be perpetual or a one time event. If you would like to honor someone by providing a scholarship please contact us.

Watch a history of the NCJW, Colorado Section Scholarship Program

Watch a video about how the NCJW, Colorado Section Scholarship Program has evolved

Use the following links to read more about each scholarship and the past recipients:

Congratulations to our 2023 Scholarship recipients! Please see their biographies below:

Estie Jacobson – The Ritvo Family Scholarship and Lenore S. Tishman Memorial Scholarship

Estie Jacobson, a dedicated mother, is on a transformative journey to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Originally from New Jersey and having lived in Israel for 15 years, Estie brings a diverse perspective to her pursuits. Soon to be pursuing a Master’s degree in social work, she is committed to expanding her knowledge and skills to empower individuals and communities. While in Israel working as a Jewish life mentor, Estie has fostered connections within the Jewish community, guiding individuals in exploring their personal role amongst their faith and heritage. With a passion for art, she has honed her skills as an artist through apprenticeships with talented practitioners. Embracing the healing power of nature, Estie finds solace in hiking, gardening, and camping. Currently, she serves the community as a social case worker with the Denver Department of Human Services, working to support and uplift individuals facing various challenges in the broader Denver community.

Samantha Cohen – Carolyn Eisen Memorial Scholarship and Sue Kaufman Memorial Scholarship

My name is Sami Cohen and I am from Parker, Colorado. I recently graduated from Chaparral High School in May of 2023, and in the fall will be attending the University of Kansas. I am excited to pursue a degree in Marketing along with a minor in Sports Management, as business and sports have been two large passions of mine since a young age. When I’m not doing something scholarly you can find me with my dog, or exploring Colorado! Judaism has always been an essential part of me, but growing up I lacked a Jewish community and opportunities to express my religion in everyday life. Living in a primarily Christian community it was hard to find friends and adults who truly understood how I felt, until I began attending my youth group BBYO. While I went through Sunday school and confirmation, BBYO was where I truly developed my leadership skills and created lifelong connections that broadened my approach to Judaism. I was lucky enough to attend IST with many of these amazing friends where I explored Israel and truly connected with the place I had heard so much about. In 5 short weeks I grew as not only a person, but also further explored my roots and connected with such an integral place in my religion. I am excited to further my Jewish education and connections in college with institutions like Hillel and Chabad.

Liv Kuijper – Prottaska Scholarship Fund and NCJW Colorado Section Scholarship

Liv-Kuijper
My name is Liv Kuijper and I am a student at the University of Denver where I am studying arts and humanities. I am a proud member of Temple Emanuel Denver and Hillel. I spend most of my free time reading, painting, and gardening. This summer I will be a landscaper, so you can always find me with my hands in some dirt! I am very grateful to be receiving the NCJW scholarship grant because education is something I highly value. I have always held the strong belief that education is vital in terms of being a contributing member of society.