“This means, first of all, personal competence—nothing that stands in the way of my will.”—Abjarjel is a married mother of three children, two of whom are sons serving in the IDF. She is 50 years old and volunteers and strengthens her faith.

"Receiving the Wolfson Fund Award would be a meaningful and empowering milestone in my academic journey. As a blind PhD candidate managing complex health challenges, this support allows me to dedicate more time and energy to my research and academic responsibilities, free from the added pressure of financial uncertainty.

This award also supports my continued involvement in social and community-focused activities that promote accessibility, inclusion, and equal opportunity in higher education and beyond. These efforts are an important part of my identity as a scholar and as someone committed to advancing systemic change.

Being selected for the Wolfson Fund not only assists me materially, but also carries symbolic significance: It reflects a broader recognition of the value and potential of students with disabilities in academia. It affirms that excellence takes many forms and that structural barriers can and should be addressed through meaningful support.

I am sincerely grateful for the Wolfson Foundation’s investment in the academic and personal development of blind students. Now granted this award, I carry its message forward, continuing to engage actively, contribute meaningfully, and uphold the values of inclusion, equity, and academic excellence."

"Receiving the JBI Wolfson Scholarship is both a great honor and an important source of support for me. As a visually impaired law student, this award helps ease the financial pressure of my studies and enables me to focus more fully on my academic and professional goals. Beyond the financial aspect, it is deeply meaningful to know that my efforts and journey are recognized and encouraged by a community that values accessibility, education, and inclusion."

"Receiving the Wolfson Scholarship has been a deeply meaningful milestone in my journey. As a blind mother of three pursuing a master’s degree in social work, this support not only eased a financial burden, but also offered a powerful message: that I am seen, believed in, and encouraged to keep moving forward.

This scholarship gave me more than just funding—it strengthened my confidence, helped me continue my academic path with dignity, and reminded me that my voice and contribution matter, even in a world that often feels inaccessible.

Thanks to this award, I can invest more energy in my studies, in supporting people with disabilities, and in dedicating myself fully to professional growth and learning in order to help others.

I am incredibly grateful for the trust, support, and recognition that come with this scholarship. It has inspired me to keep pushing boundaries—not only for myself, but for the communities I aim to uplift and serve."

"Receiving the JBI Wolfson Scholarship is a meaningful recognition and a significant source of support. As a visually impaired MA student, this award enables me to complete my academic and professional development while managing the added challenges that come with my disability.

Because of my vision impairment, tasks that many take for granted require additional time and effort. This scholarship will help me cover not only tuition, but also the daily expenses related to accessibility.

Beyond financial assistance, this award reinforces my view that disability is not a limitation, but a difference that merits inclusion and investment. In my career, I hope to contribute to building organizations that are more diverse, accessible, and responsive to all individuals. This scholarship affirms and empowers me to do more.

I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to be part of the JBI scholar community."

"Receiving the JBI Wolfson Scholarship is a tremendous honor. Your support will help me cover my tuition as well as indirect costs so I can focus on completing my MA in Education Management and also my teacher’s certificate studies. Freed from financial worry, I will be capable of devoting my complete energy to developing inclusive lesson plans, conducting research, and mentoring students with disabilities. This award not only advances my personal growth but also further stimulates my efforts to ensure that all students, regardless of ability, are given the chance to excel. Thank you sincerely for investing in my future."

"I am truly honored to receive the JBI Wolfson Scholarship. Both the blind and Jewish communities have had a profound impact on my life, and to be recognized by a scholarship that celebrates both is incredibly meaningful to me.

This scholarship plays a key role in helping me attend the University of Georgia, where I plan to study finance.

As a visually impaired student, I’ve often had to navigate challenges that many of my peers don’t face, but I’ve learned to turn those challenges into motivation. This award reminds me that my hard work is seen and valued, and it pushes me to keep striving toward my goals. It gives me the confidence to know that others believe in my potential."

"Receiving the Nathan L. and Suzanne K. Wolfson Scholarship is a tremendous honor and a powerful reminder that my journey and identity are valued. As a legally blind occupational therapy student, this support affirms that my challenges do not define me and that investing in potential can create real impact.

Beyond easing financial pressure, this scholarship allows me to focus more deeply on my studies, clinical training, and growth as a future therapist. It reassures me that I’m not alone, and that there’s a community that believes in the importance of inclusive education and accessibility.

In the past, I’ve worked as a youth counselor for blind and visually impaired children, and completed two years of national service, one in a preschool for deaf children, and one in a pediatric oncology department. These experiences taught me the importance of empathy, connection, and perseverance.

This scholarship strengthens my commitment to give back. It motivates me to continue supporting underserved communities and to grow into a professional who not only treats but uplifts, empowers, and understands. I carry this recognition with gratitude and pride knowing it reflects both trust in my future and appreciation for the path I’ve taken."

"This scholarship allows me to further my doctoral education in the Clinical PsyD program at Spalding University's School of Professional Psychology. As I pursue this degree, I will continue to embrace my passion for delivering culturally responsive mental health services in systemically marginalized communities as part of my broader commitment to tikkun olam. As I strive to earn my doctoral degree, and as I continue my work with clients, I hope to make a positive impact in the lives of others through a client-centered approach to psychological assessment, diagnosis, and psychotherapy. In this way, the Nathan L. and Suzanne K. Wolfson Scholarship assists me to become a skilled practitioner who is committed to the pursuit of equity by supporting and empowering those who are marginalized in our communities."

"Receiving the Wolfson Fund scholarship is more than a financial award, it is a powerful affirmation of my path, my resilience, and my potential.

As a legally blind student pursuing my graduate degree, I have encountered numerous challenges: academic, logistical, and emotional. Accessing information, navigating environments, and proving myself in systems not designed with people like me in mind has required strength, creativity, and determination. This scholarship tells me that those efforts are seen, recognized, and valued.

Beyond the practical support, which significantly eases the financial burden of tuition and academic materials—this award gives me a deep sense of belonging. It reminds me that there is a community of people and institutions that believe in my success, and that are willing to invest in my journey.

This recognition encourages me not only to continue striving for excellence in my studies, but also to serve as an advocate and role model for others in the visually impaired community. It fuels my desire to give back, to use my education and experience to improve accessibility, equity, and inclusion in my field.

I am deeply honored and grateful for this generous support. It is a light on the path ahead, and I carry it with pride and purpose."

"Receiving this award represents a tremendous financial support that goes far beyond just monetary value. As a person living with a disability—being blind—it is a daily challenge to navigate both life and academic pursuits. This scholarship is not only an economic relief but also a powerful symbol of recognition of my efforts and potential.

For someone like me, who faces obstacles that many do not, this assistance allows me to focus more fully on my research and studies without the constant worry of financial burdens. The award acts as a crucial tool that enables me to advance my academic work and take my research one step further. It helps bridge the gap between aspiration and achievement by providing resources that were previously difficult to access.

Moreover, this scholarship embodies the principle of equality—of leveling the playing field so that people with disabilities have the same opportunities to succeed as everyone else. It’s a meaningful step towards becoming ‘equal among equals,’ as it acknowledges the unique challenges I face while affirming my right and ability to contribute meaningfully to my field.

Beyond the practical help, receiving this award is a source of motivation and encouragement. It strengthens my belief in the value of perseverance and hard work, inspiring me to continue striving toward my goals despite the difficulties. It is a validation of my commitment and a reminder that my efforts are seen and appreciated.

In summary, this award is more than just financial aid—it is a gateway to greater opportunities, personal growth, and the fulfillment of my academic and professional ambitions."

"Winning the JBL Wolfson Scholarship represents a great honor and privilege. It offers me tremendous support in pursuing my dream of becoming a psychologist. Over the years visual obstacles have made this ambition difficult to achieve. Yet, the support of friends, family, teachers, the Wolfson scholarship committee, and God have gotten me to my fourth year of clinical psychology school. I am blessed to have won this award and touched the Wolfson scholarship committee believes in me."

"Being Jewish and legally blind are constitutive elements of who I am. Each structures how I move in the world as a person and scholar. It is refreshing to be seen in full for both of these identities. JBI’s scholarship and vital work offers me and others this indispensable form of recognition. I hope to be a service of both of these communities, and to continue to demonstrate that blind people have a place in academia. "

"It’s helping me a lot. It’s giving me motivations to continue and learning. Thanks a lot."

"First of all, thank you very much. It will help me to make a good choice about my studies."

"I am so appreciative of receiving this award. I decided to take summer classes this year to allow more time to look for jobs and network during my final year of grad school, and this award will help go toward covering the costs of this summer. Knowing that I will have a lighter course load because of this during the upcoming year has alleviated a lot of my worries for my last year of schooling as my legal blindness makes assignments and projects take longer. This award has enabled me to take summer classes and take off the pressure of the upcoming school year. "

"Receiving this scholarship carries deep personal and professional meaning for me. I am an artist and educator working with gifted children. Although I am visually impaired, I continue to teach, study, and grow. I am currently pursuing a master’s degree in gifted education, and my research focuses on developing ways to remain in the teaching profession, even in the event of further vision loss.

Everyday challenges related to my vision require resilience, careful planning, and constant adaptation—from preparing accessible learning materials to using assistive technologies for my studies. These obstacles can be overwhelming at times, both logistically and emotionally.

The Wolfson Scholarship eases the financial pressure of tuition and allows me to devote more energy to what truly matters—continuing my education and my work with children. More than that, it makes me feel recognized and supported—not only as a student, but as a person walking a difficult but meaningful path.

I am sincerely grateful for this opportunity. Your support allows me to stay connected to the profession I love and to give back to the community by nurturing the unique talents of gifted children. At the same time, it strengthens my ability to grow as an artist, educator, and researcher.

Thank you for believing in me and for helping me move forward with strength and purpose."