Lester Morss Scholarship

Now accepting applications for Summer 2025 programs

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Lester Robert Morss Scholarship for Jewish Studies

Overview
Lester Morss was a chemist and a life-long scholar who believed in the power of knowledge to change the world, in the spirit of Tikkun Olam. He was committed to promoting academic scholarship and assisting those who are less fortunate. After he passed away in 2014, family and friends joined together to establish a scholarship fund to assist high school and college students who wish to participate in one of the following:
     1. Pursue study in Israel through an established academic program
     2. Complete a service project with an established Jewish organization

Funds available
Two scholarships of $500 each will be awarded during each scholarship cycle.
Applicant Eligibility:
     1. Current high school or college students
     2. Current or former members of Columbia Jewish Congregation or Jewish residents of Howard County.

Application Components:
The application should include the following information:
     1. Resume (including name, contact information, school, and course of study)
     2. Essay (maximum of 1 page) describing
          a) The study program or service project
          b) Your motivation for pursuing the program or project
          c) How the program/project will impact you
         d) How the program/project will fulfill the spirit of Tikkun Olam
         e) Why the funds are needed, and what other funding sources are available
     3. Project timeline (as specific as possible)
     4. Budget (as specific as possible)

Application Process:
▪ Applications should be submitted electronically to LRMScholarship@columbiajewish.org or personally to Robin Rosenfeld in the Columbia Jewish Congregation office.
▪ Applications are due February 15 (for spring/summer funding) and June 15 (for fall/winter funding).
▪ Applicants will be notified of their status by March 15 or July 15.
▪ Awardees must submit relevant receipts as well as project outcomes within one month of completion of the program/project.

Communication
Awardees will be expected to prepare a review of their project/experience and submit it to CJC. They may be asked to share their experience with the community at a CJC Shabbat service. 

Click here to complete application