Michigan Friends of the Israel Defense Forces
The IMPACT! Scholarship Program
During the course of their tours of duty, IDF soldiers
demonstrate self-discipline, persistence, dedication, and
resourcefulness. In short, they prove that they have what
it takes to excel in life — and to mature into the next
generation of leaders in various aspects of Israeli life.
However, many of these motivated and talented young
adults lack the financial means by which to acquire the
academic or vocational training that they need to set them
on the path to success.
The IMPACT! Scholarship Program provides four-year
scholarships to Israeli combat soldiers who have completed
their military service but cannot afford the cost of higher
education due to their disadvantaged socio-economic condition.
IMPACT! not only affects these individuals by lifting them
out of the vicious cycle of poverty and upgrading their future
career opportunities, the program enhances the entire nation
by helping to train young men and women who will ultimately
shape Israeli society and drive the country's economy.
Case study: IMPACT! in the words of Mid Levy
When my army service vas finished. knev,' that I needed to get an education to be somebody. to earn a
living. to live v,fith dignity. But my parents had died when l was very young, so I had no family to help me. I
'anted to study special education and work with children so I went to the retired soldiers' office to see what
scholarships were available...
Words cannot begin to describe how I felt when they told me that the scholarship would cover my entire
tuition...I will be getting my degree. and I will be able to earn a hying and to take care of myself. I now have
a future...
IMPACT! has counselors at each college who keep an eye on you and make sure that you do well in your
studies. They remind you that you are not in th s
IMPACT! scholarships require that you do something to positively impact your community. I volunteer at a
senior facility. The feeling of giving, of doing sornething to help someone. is a uniquely amazing feeling. You
have a real sense of the goodness that flows out of one person's act of kindness...
When they told me that I had gotten a scholarship. I had no idea from whom or for how much. I got to meet
the person who donated money for my scholarship. It is an amazing feeling to have someone care about what
happens to you what you do with your life. v!hether or not you succeed...
There are so many people in my situation who were not as lucky as I am. So many soldiers who have given
so much of themselves have a very bleak road ahead of them when they leave the army. It is a very sad thing.
Especially when you see what a huge difference each IMPACT! scholarship can make It changed my life_
"So many soldiers who have given so much of themselves
have a very bleak road ahead of them when they leave the
army, It is a very sad thing IMPACT! is more than just a
scholarship It changed my life!"