JFS-David Rubenstein Memorial Scholarship - JFSSD
Moving Forward Together

The JFS-David Rubenstein Memorial Scholarship was established by Dr. Robert Rubenstein and Marie G. Raftery and honors the memory of his son David. The Scholarship provides grants to students from San Diego’s Jewish Community to help support attendance in college or vocational school. The program awards scholarships of up to $5,000, based on academic performance, community involvement, and financial need. 

The JFS-David Rubenstein Memorial Scholarship seeks to encourage young people to maintain intellectual curiosity, reflect on their Jewish values, and give back to the community. 

Photo of Danny, JFS-David Rubenstein Memorial Scholarship recipient.

“I’m so appreciative to have this scholarship as a constant across my academic career—I would never have been at the University of Michigan without it. JFS has impacted me and my family in so many ways throughout my life. From being a Little Pal when my parents first split to now being a student at a top university. I will continue furthering these ideals in every facet of life.”

Danny
Scholarship Recipient

Take the Next Step

Applications for 2024-2025 year have now ended.

Questions? Email [email protected].

Support the Scholarship

Allocate your donation to the JFS-David Rubenstein Memorial Scholarship by contacting our Development Team at (858) 637-3300 or email us at [email protected]

Eligibility, Selection Criteria, & Disbursement

  • Be a Jewish high school, college, or graduate student planning to attend school full-time at an accredited public or private college, university, or vocational school in the U.S.
  • Be a legal and permanent resident of San Diego County for at least two years by the start of the upcoming academic year.
  • Be a U.S. citizen or documented legal permanent U.S. resident (green card).
  • Plan to contribute toward their own education through part-time work before or during the academic year (unpaid internships or volunteer work are also acceptable).
  • Be in current good academic standing with a minimum overall 3.0 GPA.
  • Demonstrate a meaningful connection and/or contribution to the Jewish Community.
  • Demonstrate financial need, as verified by FAFSA (Student Aid Report) and tax return.

JFS-David Rubenstein Memorial Scholarship recipients are carefully chosen based on a variety of criteria determined by the Scholarship Committee.

All applicants will be notified in writing of the JFS-David Rubenstein Memorial Scholarship Committee’s decision. Jewish Family Service reserves the right to publicize the names of the Scholarship recipients through our website, print publications, and local media.

Students are eligible to receive up to a total of four (4) years of JFS-David Rubenstein Memorial Scholarship funding, and the funding years do not have to be consecutive. Scholarships are made on a year-to-year basis and are NOT automatically renewed. Scholarship recipients must submit a new application and the required documentation in compliance with the application deadlines, stated herein, for each year that they seek funding.

Scholarship funds will be sent directly to the academic institution the student is attending solely for use toward qualifying academic expenses, including tuition, room and board, books, school fees, or required academic supplies/equipment. Should the recipient not matriculate college by the date listed in the award, he or she agrees to forfeit the scholarship award.

“As a single mother of two children I have been the primary earner of my family for many years. I am fortunate to be a chaplain and educator—a profession that imbues my life with meaning and perspective every single day. Thanks to the scholarship I am pursuing my life-long dream to study for the rabbinate. I look forward to growing as a spiritual leader.”

– Allison
Scholarship Recipient

Photo of Allison, JFS-David Rubenstein Memorial Scholarship recipient.

Thank You To Our Scholarship Committee

Kira Finkenberg, Oz Laniado, Lev Mizan, Darren Schwartz, Fern Siegel, Brad Slavin, Jill Stone

2023 David Rubenstein Memorial Scholarship Luncheon

Schools Attended by JFS-David Rubenstein Memorial Scholarship Recipients (2024-25)

Academy of Jewish Religion California (AJRCA) • Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law • California Coast University • California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo • Claremont McKenna College • Colorado School of Mines • George Washington University • Lehigh University • Pacific College of Health and Science • San Diego State University • Temple University • UC Berkeley • UC Riverside • UC Santa Barbara • UC Los Angeles • University of Michigan • University of Southern California, Los Angeles • University of San Diego