INTEREST-FREE LOANS AVAILABLE

TO JEWISH STUDENTS

ATLANTA — Interest-free loans for post-secondary education (college, graduate school, vocational and professional courses) will be available to Jewish students in your area for the 2008-2009 school year from the Jewish Educational Loan Fund.  The loans can also be used by those already in the workforce who need further education to update or change their careers.

Since 1985, JELF has granted more than $4.5 million in interest-free loans to over 2,600 students.

The JELF loans are need-based and offer “last-dollar” financing.  In other words, JELF provides the final dollars that bridge the gap between a student’s total financial resources and the cost of attending school.  Applicants must attend a recognized, accredited institution and be studying to receive a degree or certificate.

Applications for the interest-free loans, which are due April 22, 2008, are available on JELF’s website at www.jelf.org.

Personal interviews are required. Loan applicants are encouraged to contact Ms. Ellen Glass, who administers the JELF program in Richmond, at Richmond Jewish Family Services. Ms. Glass can be reached at 804-282-5644 or eglass@jfsrichmond.org.

The Jewish Educational Loan Fund, headquartered in Atlanta, offers interest-free loans to Jewish students in 15 member communities in the Southeast.  The organization, which started as the Hebrew Orphans’ Home and then became the Jewish Children’s Service before becoming JELF, just celebrated its 130th anniversary.