Scholarship funds assist local area college students
By Arleen Levine, Director, Toledo Jewish Community Foundation

Students faced with mounting concerns about college tuition in Northwest Ohio can take comfort in the support of a dedicated group of community leaders. The scholarships awarded through the Toledo Jewish Community Foundation take into consideration factors such as academic achievement, leadership and involvement in the Jewish community. Jewish Family Service is involved in reviewing the applications on the basis of financial need. During academic year, 2012-2013, scholarships totaling $36,500 were awarded to 17 Toledo area undergraduate college students.

Building on the inaugural scholarship created by the late Dr. Louis (z”l) and Sophie (z”l) Ravin in 1997, which provided support to students attending college at state universities in Ohio and Michigan, the Donald L. Solomon Supporting Organization joined together with Arthur (z"l) and Janet Katz in 2007 and began awarding scholarships to support those students pursuing their undergraduate education in Northwest Ohio. Paul Goldner, Harry and Leeta Nistel and Andrea and Gary Delman joined the coalition of funders awarding scholarships to students attending The University of Toledo, Bowling Green State University, Owens Community College and Lourdes University. The level of support is approximately $2,000 per student and is renewable upon review of the advisory committee.

In a desire to create a meaningful gift to honor his late parents, Ben J. and Mary B. Solomon, Donald L. Solomon established a $4,000 renewable scholarship and presented its first award in academic year 2012-2013. The $4,000 scholarship is dedicated to undergraduate needs of those attending college in Northwest Ohio. The initial $4,000 scholarship was awarded in fall 2012 and is renewable at the discretion of the scholarship advisory panel. Every fall thereafter, one scholarship will be added until there are four scholarships available in the fall of 2015. For the upcoming 2013-2014, two scholarships, each in the amount of $4,000, will be awarded.

For more information about scholarship assistance or to discuss a means by which to establish a fund in the Foundation, please contact Arleen R. Levine, Director, Toledo Jewish Community Foundation, at arleen@JewishToledo.org or 419-724-0355.