FAQ
What is the Tikvah Fund?
The Tikvah Fund is a think tank and educational institution focused on the foundational ideas of Jewish civilization, the great challenges facing the Jewish people and the State of Israel, and the political, moral, and economic traditions of Western civilization and American democracy. Tikvah runs a wide range of initiatives in the United States, Israel, and around the world, including educational programs and fellowships, publications and websites, conferences, and policy research.
Our main interest is challenging exceptional people—from middle school to high school, from gap year to college, from graduate students to full-time professionals—to become Jewish leaders and Jewish citizens. We seek to expose them to the most important ideas—in Jewish thought, Zionist history, political philosophy, economics, and strategy—and to inculcate a sense of responsibility for Jewish, Western, and American civilization. We also offer extensive programming and content for the alumni of our various programs, and we encourage our participants to think about their time with us as the gateway to a larger Tikvah community.
What is the Menachem Begin Scholars Program?
The Menachem Begin Scholars Program is a highly selective two-year fellowship for 9th and 10th grade students from across North America. Scholars will attend advanced seminars with other exceptional students led by first rate educators and faculty members. Students will focus on ‘Hebrew Bible and Jewish Thought’, ‘Western Civilization’, ‘Zionism and Modern Israel’ and ‘The Meaning of America’.
The program includes an orientation in Princeton, NJ. Scholars will be invited to attend Tikvah’s National Student Leadership Conference. Throughout the year there will be thought-provoking events, student-led debates, and regional in-person meet ups. The fellowship culminates with the Tikvah Scholars Program residential summer institute.
Who are the faculty of the Menachem Begin Scholars Program?
The Begin Scholars Program is hallmarked by a talented faculty of master teachers and guest speakers. The full list of previous Begin faculty can be found here.
Who can apply to the Menachem Begin Scholars Program?
Any 9th and 10th grader interested in big ideas and serious discussion is invited to submit an application. Ideally, candidates will apply prior to the summer, nevertheless, later applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis. For those interested in applying, please email agarson@tikvahfund.org.
When does the program begin and when do seminars take place?
The Menachem Begin Scholars Program is a two-year enrichment program. Orientations for 9th graders will take place on August 18-20, 2024 and August 30 – September 1, 2024. Students can decide which to attend. Seminars begin in the Fall. The National Students Leadership Conference is usually held in January but is subject to change. The program culminates in the summer of their 10th grade with the Tikvah Scholars Program.
Where will seminars be held? When do classes take place?
All seminar sessions will be held on Zoom. Our class schedule is designed to be flexible, with each class taking place at different times. There will be voluntary in-person meetups taking place throughout the year.
Are there further educational opportunities for Menachem Begin Scholars once they begin high school?
Yes! The most dedicated and outstanding scholars will be invited to apply for the Solomon Fellowship for 11th and 12th grade students.
How much does the program cost?
✔ Princeton Orientation: $545
✔ Advanced seminars + debates + guest speaker events: $795 (Early Bird $745)
✔ National Student Leadership Conference in Washington, DC: $545
We want to express our gratitude to Tikvah’s generous donor community, whose support allows us to offer this program at a discounted rate. To facilitate payment, we offer the option to pay in two installments. Should you require financial assistance, please email mgroden@tikvahfund.org for more information.
Additional Questions?
If you have any questions or concerns, please email Avi Garson at agarson@tikvahfund.org.
