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Friday April 15, 2011

Since 1955, Hilb Scholarships Have Helped Students Overcome Barriers to Pay for College

Michelle Rotbart’s hard work has earned her a spot on the Dean’s List every quarter she has attended the University of Cincinnati.

What’s even more impressive is that she’s paying her way through college by working. “Some people call me a workaholic,” she says.

But even workaholics need support. That’s why Rotbart appreciates the money she’s been receiving from the Hilb Scholarship Fund in a selection process administered by Jewish Vocational Service. The money she receives represents a small portion of her tuition, but she says, “Every bit helps.”

The Fund, managed by the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati, has assisted students since 1955. Gus Hilb created the fund to honor his parents, Mannis and Yetta Hilb. Grants totaling nearly $175,000 are made to about 100 students annually.

Eligibility is based on financial need and academic standing. The Fund defines need as annual family income that does not exceed $120,000.

Rotbart, a Mason High School graduate, is studying fashion design product development. After her 2012 graduation, she wants to work in denim design or fashion research. She likes the creativity and practicality involved in her major. “By dressing people, I’m fulfilling an essential need.”

At first, her parents helped to pay for her education. But now, she earns much of the money she needs by working in UC’s cooperative education system.  She alternates quarters when she takes classes with quarters working in a job related to her major.

Orly Amor, a psychology undergraduate at Ohio State, said Hilb grants have helped her avoid huge debt. “This has helped me be able to focus on my studies, rather than worrying about money all the time. It gives me peace of mind.”

Additional funding for her education has come from on-campus jobs, another scholarship program and her parents. After her 2012 graduation, she wants to pursue a masters degree in school psychology so she can be a school psychologist, helping children with disabilities and behavioral problems.

Dana Grinshpan of Loveland received Hilb money every year she attended Ohio State. The 2010 graduate still faces more than a decade of paying off her student loans.

But the Hilb money at least eased her financial hardships, allowing her to complete unpaid internships and write a thesis that included traveling to Israel for research. As a result, she graduated with honors with a degree in international relations. 

Now, Grinshpan is a graduate student at the University of Chicago, receiving a full scholarship from the university. She expects to graduate this spring with a Masters of Arts in international security and political economy.

MORE DETAILS ABOUT THE HILB SCHOLARSHIPS

Jewish Vocational Service is accepting applications for the 2011-12 academic year until May 1. More information is available at www.cincinnaticareer.net. Scholarship administrator Pamela Smith can be reached at 513-347-1564 or psmith@jvscinti.org.