The Jewish Federation of the Berkshires announces the availability of application forms for scholarships to be used for trips to Israel, Jewish summer camps, and transportation to Camp Eisner for summer and fall 2006.

• Michael Nathaniel Shute Endowment Fund - provides scholarships for trips to Israel.  Recipients selected based on demonstration of community involvement and educational interest.
• Messinger Fund - provides transportation assistance to Camp Eisner in Great Barrington for children residing in Pittsfield and North County.
• Dr. Arthur and Helen Maislen Scholarship Fund - provides scholarships to Jewish-sponsored camps.  Need based.
• Jewish Federation of the Berkshires' Scholarship Fund - provides scholarships to Jewish-sponsored camps.  Need based.

Application forms are available by contacting Barbara Simonds, Assistant to the Executive Director, at 413-442-4360, ext. 10 or at the Federation office at 196 South Street, Pittsfield.  Applications are due by Friday, February 3, 2006, at noon.

Applicants will be notified as to the committee's decision in late February.  Awards will be publicly announced at the Federation's Annual Meeting on Tuesday, June 13, 2006.  For additional information contact Arlene D. Schiff, Executive Director at 413-442-4360 ext. 12 or arlene.schiff@verizon.net.

The Jewish Federation of the Berkshires also awards several scholarships each year to graduating seniors of Berkshire County high schools.  Any young person within the Jewish community is eligible to apply.  A selection committee reviews all applications and selects the scholarship recipients who receive a cash award to be used to further their education.  Available scholarships include:

Henry Simkin and Frances Simkin Schiller and Dr. Stanley and Faye Simkin Scholarship Fund - to be awarded to a graduating senior who has demonstrated leadership in the Jewish community.  Need based.

Herman Fink Memorial Scholarship Award - to be awarded to a graduating senior who has demonstrated devotion to Jewish study and community service.

Halpern England Fund - to be awarded to a graduating senior who is an active member of the Jewish community.  Need based.

Jewish Federation of the Berkshires' Scholarship Fund - to be awarded to a graduating senior who has demonstrated leadership in the Jewish community.  Need based.

B'nai Brith Men Adullum Lodge #326 - to be awarded to a graduating senior who promotes Jewish ideals in the Jewish community and can show active involvement in local community service as well as scholastic achievement.

Application forms are available by contacting Barbara Simonds, Assistant to the Executive Director at 413-442-4360, ext. 10 or at the Federation office at 196 South Street, Pittsfield.  Applications are due on Friday, April 28, 2006 at noon.

Applicants will be notified as to the committee's decision in May.  Awards will be publicly announced at the Federation's Annual Meeting on Tuesday, June 13.  For additional information contact Arlene D. Schiff, Executive Director at 413-442-4360 ext. 12 or arlene.schiff@verizon.net.

In 2005, the Federation awarded $24,100 in scholarships to 29 youths attending Jewish camps, 5 youths traveling to Israel, and 6 high school graduates.