The Federation College Scholarship Program offers full-time Jewish students from the Bay Area the opportunity to apply for 15 distinct scholarships, each with specific eligibility criteria. Awards are based on a combination of merit and financial need, empowering students to reach their potential and achieve their dreams.

For Or Hameiri, an international student from Israel, studying at UC Berkeley was a dream that came with immense challenges. Balancing the demands of out-of-state tuition, living expenses, and the pressures of succeeding at one of the world’s top universities was daunting. But in the midst of it all, the Federation College Scholarship Program became a lifeline — offering not just financial support, but a sense of community, belonging, and hope. “It wasn’t just about the money,” Or explained. “It allowed me the opportunity to concentrate on my goals, enabling me to fully engage in my studies and the college experience without the constant worry of how I was going to make ends meet.”

“I was fortunate to find the scholarship through friends in the Jewish community,” Or shared. “The application process was so smooth. They took the time to understand the person behind the story, and that meant everything to me.” For Or, the program was more than just filling out forms and meeting requirements; it was about being seen, understood, and supported by people who genuinely cared about his journey.

But beyond the financial assistance, the Federation College Scholarship Program gave Or something priceless: a connection to a family far from home. “Being away from Israel, I craved that sense of community,” Or said. “The Jewish community here, especially everyone at the Helen Diller Institute, made me feel like I had a mom and dad watching my back. It gave me the strength to keep going, even when things were hard.”

During his time at Berkeley, Or also faced the rising tide of antisemitism on campus. “It was tough, but it made me a stronger person,” he reflected. Showing enormous fortitude, Or turned those experiences into activism, standing up for his beliefs and building connections that will last a lifetime. “The people I met through this program and the larger network it introduced me to are the greatest gift I could have asked for. They’ve shaped my life in ways I never expected.”

Or graduated from Berkeley’s prestigious Haas School of Business, driven by a desire to create meaningful change in the world. “I chose business because I believe that strategic leadership and operational excellence are key to creating meaningful, lasting change,” he said. Now, with his college degree under his belt, Or is taking a well-deserved break to travel before stepping into the next chapter of his life.

Or’s advice to students considering applying for the Federation College Scholarship Program is simple: “Just apply. Your story matters. There are people who genuinely want to help you succeed. Don’t hesitate — this program can change your life.”

For Or, the scholarship was more than just a means to an education — it was a symbol of hope and a reminder of the power of community. “I intend to pay it forward one day,” he said. “To help someone like me, who just needed that support to keep going. I’m so grateful for this opportunity — it’s something I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.”