JFEW partners with colleges, universities and community-based organizations who share our commitment to helping aspiring women achieve their educational and career goals.
Working across New York State, we support more than 400 students a year through scholarships, paid internships, dedicated advising, professional development and emergency grants. We also address systemic issues through research on basic needs insecurity, student-parents, campus culture for low-income students and other topics.
Strategic Pillars
Public Undergraduate Education in New York State
JFEW partners primarily with public institutions in order to drive economic mobility for the greatest number of students. As an organization founded in New York City, most of our partnerships are with CUNY and SUNY campuses, though we also support a few programs outside of New York State; at some private institutions; and with community-based organizations.
Women’s Empowerment
JFEW has remained true to its founding mission of empowering women through education and professional development. This commitment is rooted in the belief that women play a unique role in leading communities, organizations and families, and reversing inter-generational poverty.
Our scholarships also help women reduce student debt, which can hinder economic mobility and limit life choices after graduation.
Community
JFEW’s model revolves around supporting cohorts of students with scholarships, paid internships, dedicated advising and professional development. The emphasis on cohorts is based on the importance of helping first-generation and low-income college students build networks and develop social capital, as well as fostering a connection between Scholars and the Foundation.
JFEW aims to make large universities feel smaller, and for Scholars to have a community of wisdom and support in college and beyond.
Non-sectarian and Jewish commitments
Founded as an organization for immigrant Jewish girls, JFEW expanded its mission in 1964, in the midst of the Civil Rights movement, to enable women of all backgrounds to secure a scholarship. JFEW’s origins and evolution are reflected today in its two grantmaking portfolios: the College portfolio, which supports non-sectarian programs, and the Heritage portfolio, which supports programs for Jewish women.