Teens
Teen Programs overview
Step program
Education grants & Scholarships
Overnight Camp Grants
Teens Information
Designed to prepare young Jewish teens for adulthood, our programs help them to become leaders in their community, learn about Israel, and access support in their personal Jewish journey all while enjoying the company of their peers.
Assistant Camp Director
Educating, engaging, and empowering Jewish teens to create their Jewish community one STEP at a time.
Program Details
The Shapiro Teen Engagement Program [STEP] engages local teens with their community, their Judaism, and their connection to Israel, all while teaching valuable leadership skills.
Activities
Sally and Sam Shapiro (z’l) shared a vision to work with The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee to create a gateway for local Jewish teens to become engaged with their community, their Judaism and their connection to Israel. That vision has become a reality with the creation of STEP—The Shapiro Teen Engagement program.
STEP is a non-denominational engagement program for Jewish teens in Sarasota and Manatee counties that provides opportunities to grow, lead and travel while fostering a welcoming Jewish teen community and a connection to Israel. Alumni of the STEP program have continued to stay involved in Jewish life through participation in Hillel, Birthright, AIPAC, StandWithUs, study abroad and gap years in Israel. They have become youth group advisors, camp counselors, Jewish educators and more. This long term investment in our youth teaches them the importance of giving back and prepares them to become the next generation of Jewish leaders.
Eligibility
STEP is open to 8th-12th grade Jewish students in Sarasota and counties. Many events are free and there are no attendance requirements to participate in the program.
Making One Another Better
We are proud to support athletes from our community at the JCC Maccabi Games! As the Florida Gulf Coast delegation, we welcome Jewish teen athletes from around our region to compete together and represent our greater community.
Interested?
Learn More
Education Scholarships
Each year, the Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee awards education scholarships to qualified applicants attending college, community college, vocational/technical school or university.
Need-based Scholarships
The primary consideration for these scholarships is financial need. However, a good academic record, involvement in Jewish activities, and community service will all be evaluated.
General Guidelines
Most scholarships are open only to students who identify as Jewish, with the exception of The Robert Michelson Interfaith Scholarship, which provides awards to Christian and Jewish students.
Eligibility Requirements
Students and their families must have resided in Sarasota or Manatee county full-time for at least two years.
Student Aid Index (SAI) from FAFSA at or below 25,000.
Overnight Camp Grants
Program Details
Participation in Jewish overnight camp creates friendships and memories that can last a lifetime. In partnership with local philanthropists, the Federation offers grants so that any qualified Jewish child can have fun while learning to value their Jewish heritage.
Grant Guidelines
Need-based Grants
- Need-based scholarships are available for children attending non-profit Jewish overnight camps
- The Wides Summer Camp Scholarship provides a limited number of grants to children attending camps designed to accommodate kids with special needs.
Incentive Grants
- All families with children who meet eligibility criteria can apply for a $500 incentive grant.
- Funding is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Families who have made a contribution to The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee annual campaign within the past 12 months will be given priority.
Eligibility
Parent(s) and child(ren) must be Jewish, must have resided in Sarasota or Manatee County for the past year, and must be legal residents of the United States.
