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The Jewish Federation of San Diego County and the San Diego Jewish Teen Initiative is proud to bring you the My Israel Journey and Immersive Experience Grant. The My Israel Journey Grant subsidizes eligible teens a one-time award of up to $1,500 towards an organized, educational, Israel trip. Funding is based on a teen’s Israel experience. These grants are not needs based and are open to all 9th-12th graders. The Immersive Experience Grant subsidizes eligible teens a one-time award of up to $540 towards any Jewish experience throughout the year. *Those ineligible for My Israel Journey, may be eligible for the Immersive Experience Grant.
 

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Please note: The My Israel Journey program does not award money toward post-high school long-term programs or Masa Israel Journey programs. If you are in need of financial assistance for such a program, please contact Miri Ketayi, mirik@jewishinsandiego.org 

My Israel Journey
Teen who has never been to Israel, and is a first time recipient, is eligible for $1,500
Teen who has been to Israel from ages 0-12 years old, and is a first time recipient, is eligible for $750

 

Immersive Experience Grant:
1-3 day programs are eligible for a subsidy of $180
4-9 day programs are eligible for a subsidy of $360
10+ day programs are eligible for a subsidy of $540

 

  1. Choose your Israel trip or Jewish experience. Approved Israel trips must be peer-based, organized trips with a service learning component.
  2. Register directly with the selected provider. You must register for a trip or Jewish experience, and be accepted before applying for either the My Israel Journey or Immersive Experience Grant. Accurate registration information and proof of acceptance is required.
  3. Complete the following: Application form, send in a signed Pre-Trip Agreement form, attend a Thank-a-thon hosted by Federation and The Jewish Teen Initiative, sign up for Good’s Deeds Day, and send in a post-trip reflection (written or video) two weeks upon your return. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Eligibility for My Israel Journey:

  • Currently in 9th-12th Grade and a resident of San Diego County
  • Registered for an approved Israel Program (Proof of a program acceptance is required)
  • A first-time recipient of funding from Federation for an Israel trip
  • Has never been on a peer based organized trip to Israel

 

Eligibility for Immersive Experience Grant:

  • Currently in 9th-12th Grade and a resident of San Diego County
  • Registered for an approved Jewish experience (Proof of a program acceptance is required)
  • A first-time recipient of the Immersive Experience Grant

Before the Trip


Trip Agreements

Fill out and submit all trip agreement. Stay in communication about the status of your trip. 

 

After the Trip


Sharing Israel Experiences

Within 14 days upon return from a Jewish and/or Israel experience, all recipients are required to submit a video or written reflection to Kayla Globerson, kaylag@lfjcc.org.


Get Connected

There are lots of opportunities to get involved with the San Diego Jewish community once you get back from Israel! Check out more teen opportunities here.

What can the $1,500 subsidy cover?

The My Israel Journey subsidy is applied directly to the total trip cost, as determined by the trip provider, and does not cover domestic airfare or other expenses.

 

I received a subsidy from Federation for a prior trip — am I eligible?

No, prior recipients of Federation funding of an Israel trip are not eligible for this subsidy. Although you may be eligible for the Immersive Experience Grant.

 

I participated in an organized trip to Israel before, but I didn't receive funding from Federation- Am I still eligible?

No, you are not eligible for My Israel Journey but you may be eligible for the Immersive Experience Grant.

 

Can I get any extra funding for a long-term program?

You may receive up to $1,500 to use towards your Israel program. Longer programs will not receive additional funds.

 

What if my program costs less than $1,500?

If your program costs less than $1,500, you are a very lucky traveler, Federation will cover the cost of the trip.

 

I’m going on a Masa Israel Journey, Long Term, or Gap-Year Program in Israel — do I qualify?

You are not eligible to apply through My Israel Journey, but there are alternative support opportunities available. If you are in need of financial assistance for other travel programs, please contact Janese Cassel at janesec@jewishfederationsandiego.org for more information.

 

Will receiving a subsidy prevent me from going on Birthright or Masa Israel Journey?

No. Since Birthright eligibility rules have changed, going on an organized trip while in high school will NOT render you ineligible for Birthright once you are of age. Additionally, receiving a subsidy grant from Federation during teen years will not disqualify you from future Masa Israel Journey programs or scholarship (including Federation scholarships).

 

When and where can I register for Good Deed's Day?

Stay tuned for details about Good Deed’s Day on March 29th, 2020. Visit www.sdjewishteens.org for information, or reach out to Michael Nimer, michaeln@motivsandiego.org with any questions.

Subsidized Israel Travel Programs