About JCYS Tuition Scholarships

Pollack Family Scholarship applications for 2023-2024 school year programming are now open. The deadline to submit your application is Friday, May 5, 2023.

Summer program (i.e. Sunflower Camp) and both summer and school-year program applications are now closed. The deadline was Friday, March 3, 2023.

Please note that your child must be enrolled in a JCYS program to receive a scholarship. If you have any questions or need help, please email scholarships@jcys.org.

Apply for a Scholarship

JUF Right Start Scholarships

JUF Right Start is expanding for the 2022-23 school year: Families receiving the full Federal Child Tax Credit may be eligible for matching funds, with a savings of up to $7,200 on a Jewish early childhood program! All JCYS Family Centers are JUF Right Start-affiliated and children enrolled in JCYS early childhood education programs are eligible for these scholarships. However, please note that JCYS does not administer JUF Right Start scholarships.

If you would like to learn more about this program or apply, please see the JUF website here.

JCYS Scholarship FAQs

Is there a separate application for summer and school-year programs?

No. One application covers both; just note in the application whether you’re applying for summer programs, school-year programs, or both.

Have you decided on my award yet/when will I be notified about my award?

The committee meets regularly during the scholarship process and parents will be notified by email once their award is finalized. We aim to notify parents by April for summer awards and by mid-June for school year awards. Parents who apply for both summer and school-year programs will be notified by April. Unfortunately, we can’t comment on individual awards before notifications are sent out.

I don’t have all my documents; can I still apply?

If you don’t have your 2022 tax documents, the online application system will accept your 2021 forms until April 15^th. If you received an extension from the IRS on your 2021 taxes, or for any other document questions, please email scholarships@jcys.org to discuss your specific situation.

Do I need to pay the fee every year/why do I need to pay a fee?

Yes, applicants do need to pay the fee every year. The $35 fee is an application processing fee that must be paid each time an application is submitted.

If I have two students, do I need to pay the fee twice?

No. The $35 fee covers an entire family’s application for one year. No matter how many students you are applying for, you only need to pay the fee once.

Can I get a scholarship for Park District camps or other programs through JCYS?

No. JCYS only awards scholarships to children enrolled in JCYS programs, and the scholarships only go towards JCYS tuition. We are unable to help families with tuition assistance for non-JCYS programs.