JFS-David Rubenstein Memorial Scholarship - JFSSD
Moving Forward Together

The JFS–David Rubenstein Memorial Scholarship, established by Dr. Robert Rubenstein and Marie Raftery, honors the memory of Dr. Robert’s son, David. The program provides financial support to students from San Diego’s Jewish community pursuing college or vocational education, and encourages them to cultivate intellectual curiosity, reflect on Jewish values, and give back to their community.

Scholarships of up to $10,000 will be awarded for the 2026–2027 school year based on academic achievement, community involvement, and financial need.

Applications are open through April 13, 2026. For questions, contact [email protected].

Take the Next Step

Deadline to apply for the 2026-27 year is April 13, 2026.

Questions? Email [email protected].

“The Rubenstein Scholarship has allowed me to work part-time, leaving more time for studying and building community in my new home. I look forward to becoming a social worker and leading with empathy and compassion like I’ve learned from my Jewish upbringing.”

‒ Shayna
Scholarship Recipient

Take the Next Step

Applications for 2026-2027 year are open. Deadline to apply is April 13, 2026.

Questions? Email [email protected].

Support the Scholarship

You can also allocate your donation by contacting our Development Team
[email protected]  |  (858) 637-3300

Eligibility, Selection Criteria, & Disbursement

  • Be a current or future 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).
  • Demonstrate a meaningful connection and/or contribution to the Jewish Community.
  • Demonstrate financial need, as verified by FAFSA (Student Aid Report).
  • 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).

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, school-provided housing, 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.

“The Scholarship has made it possible for me to focus on my studies without having to take out more loans. I’m so grateful for this opportunity.”

‒ Nadav
Scholarship Recipient

“This support helps me focus on becoming the best social worker I can be and gaining the experience I need to become a strong provider. After graduation I plan on working as a full-time therapist in the Jewish community.”

– Nikki
Scholarship Recipient

Thank You To Our Scholarship Committee

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

2025 David Rubenstein Memorial Scholarship Luncheon

Schools Selected by JFS-David Rubenstein Memorial Scholarship Applicants (2025-26)

Academy of Jewish Religion California (AJRCA) • Bastyr University • California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo • California Institute of the Arts • Claremont McKenna College • Colorado School of Mines • Columbia University • CSU San Marcos • Jewish Theological Seminary • Lehigh University • Mesa College • Pacific College of Health and Science • San Diego State University • Syracuse University • Temple University • UC Berkeley • UC Davis • UC Riverside • UC San Diego • University of Miami • University of Pennsylvania • University of San Diego • University of Southern California • Yale University