JELF’s “free loans” help local students

By Sandra Bass, JELF Loan Program Manager

JELF’s interest-free loans for higher education (college, graduate school and vocational programs) are open to Jewish students.

JELF is proud to work in partnership with Jewish Federation of Greater Naples to help local Jewish students reach their academic goals. All qualifying applicants must be:

• A permanent resident of Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina or Virginia (excluding metro Washington D.C.) (They can, however, attend any U.S. accredited school.)

• Enrolled full time in a program leading to a degree or certificate

• In good academic standing

• A U.S. citizen or have lawful immigration status

• Able to provide a designated co-signer

• Planning to accept federal subsidized and unsubsidized loans (2021 FAFSA application required)

JELF loans are intentionally designed to help cover costs associated with the educational and living expenses that other financial aid often does not cover, such as travel, rent, food and books. JELF’s 0% interest loans help borrowers save thousands of dollars in high-interestbearing debt each year. With 45 million Americans in some form of outstanding interest-bearing student loan debt, this savings is a significant benefit to the Jewish students that JELF serves annually.

The strength of the longstanding “free loan” model is based on funds lent to those in need, then paid back to serve the next student — and so on. The organization’s built-in sustainability allows it to always help future students in need as funds are infinitely recycled. However, just as hundreds of former JELF recipients continue donating to JELF each year after completing repayment, JELF continues to rely on the help of community donors to keep up with tuition increases and inflation.

For more information about JELF, please visit jelf.org.