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brought to you by combat antisemitism movement, in partnership with peerk12 & tikvah
Up to $30,000 in Scholarship Prizes!
Celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month in May 2026 with a special college scholarship opportunity for San Diego students spotlighting Jewish contributions to American society.
In honor of Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM), celebrated in May, the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM), in partnership with PeerK12, invites all high school juniors and seniors planning to attend a two- or four-year college to explore this history and its lasting impact through a statewide creative scholarship contest.
CONTEST DETAILS
WHO
This contest is open to all San Diego County juniors & seniors (both Jewish & not!)
SCHOLARSHIPS
Up to $30,000 in scholarships! Each prompt will award its own 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place winners (students can submit up to two prompt submissions).
WHAT
Utilize the curriculum & choose up to two prompts to create your submission(s).
JUDGES
A panel local all-stars who have contributed to San Diego's incredible history & are actively shaping her future.
DEADLINE
Submissions due by
Friday May 22, 2026 11:59pm PT
RECOGNITION
Winners honored & presented with their scholarships at a special event in late May (stay tuned for details!)
If you'd like to include a contest flyer in your weekly newsletter, please contact PeerK12.
CONTEST PROMPTS
P R O M P T 1:
Jewish Individuals
Who Shaped America
Choose a Jewish individual featured in the Jewish Heritage of America curriculum as a starting point for deeper research.
Using the curriculum to build foundational knowledge, research the life, contributions, and legacy of this individual and create an original biographical essay or poem explaining why their story continues to matter today.
You may focus on an individual connected to San Diego or on a Jewish American figure whose national impact reflects the values and themes explored in the curriculum.
Format: Essay or Poem
Length: Up to 1,000 words
P R O M P T 2:
Jewish Leadership & Partnership in Advancing Social Cause
Throughout American history, Jewish Americans have played significant roles in advancing civil rights, religious freedom, and democratic values.
These contributions have often been achieved in partnership with other communities. Using the Jewish Heritage of America curriculum as a foundation, research and write an analytical essay examining one or two historical examples where Jewish Americans demonstrated leadership or partnership in efforts to advance civic society, liberty, or progress in the United States.
Format: Essay or Poem
Length: Up to 1,000 words
P R O M P T 3:
Jewish Ideas & Cultural Contributions to Society
Jewish history and culture have contributed enduring ideas, values, and practices that continue to influence societies across the nation.
Using the Jewish Heritage of America curriculum as a foundation, research and write an analytical essay examining one Jewish idea, cultural tradition, value, or contribution that has had a lasting impact on American society.
Your essay should explain the origins of this contribution, its historical influence, and why it remains a vital part of our shared heritage today.
Format: Essay or Poem
Length: Up to 1,000 words