JVS Scholarship Committee

You Can Make A Difference

A WORD FROM CO-CHAIRS JONATHAN A. KARP AND DAVID BOLOUR

Every year, we celebrate the total dollars raised and the number of students helped by the JVS Scholarship Program, but those of us serving on the Scholarship Committee know that these numbers do not paint the full picture of the Scholarship Program’s impact. As we learn about the educational triumphs and life accomplishments of past recipients, it becomes apparent that our diligence and support play a critical role in their success. 

“The commitment and dedication by our committee members to assist students in need is amazing and what makes this program so successful,” says Scholarship Committee Co-Chair, Jonathan A. Karp. 

Nearly half a century in operation, the great benefit of having a multigenerational group of volunteers that genuinely care makes the Scholarship Committee one of the strongest and most effective amongst all JVS SoCal programs. “Even when the COVID-19 pandemic affected everyone’s lives, making fundraising for any cause even more challenging,” says co-chair David Bolour, “thanks to the incredible dedication and energy of our members and an amazing support staff, we have not missed a beat.” The JVS SoCal Scholarship Program was able to grant over $870,000 in awards to 222 Jewish students in need this year. 

Future leaders of the Scholarship Committee will be tasked with building upon 50 years of success in a program that is constantly evolving and growing. For that, Jonathan says, “we must understand the importance of this program not only to our recipients but to the Jewish community at large.” 

Mission of JVS Scholarship Committee

The JVS Scholarship Committee serves to ensure the continuation and financial stability of the JVS Scholarship Program. Through its dedicated volunteers, along with JVS staff, the Committee is involved in every aspect of the program. This includes interviewing and selecting potential recipients, program oversight, fundraising campaigns, administering the scholarships, alumni outreach and development, and recruiting new members and donors.

The JVS Scholarship Committee is a unique policy and services committee. Our dedicated committee members are actively engaged in:

• Setting program policy and structure
• Hands-on participation interviewing prospective and renewal students
• Award determination
• Participate in one or more subcommittees:
  Student Interviewing
  Development
  Alumni Development
• Support Development/Fundraising efforts, campaigns and events
• Pledge a minimum $1,000 “give or get” annual contributions
• Attend four committee meetings a year

Former Chairs of the JVS Scholarship Committee