Why give to Yeshiva University?

It's a simple question, yet one that has numerous answers. 

Our Jewish education

Yeshiva University, which offers an excellent education in both Jewish and secular studies, is first founded on a commitment to Jewish learning and values. It is dedicated to the synergy of modernity and Jewish law and tradition; to finding a common grown between Jews of all denominations and perspectives; and to a Modern Orthodoxy that is based in Jewish law and open and tolerant, with an emphasis on tikkum olam (communal service for the betterment of mankind).

Our graduates go on to become leading rabbis, heads of Jewish communal organizations, scholars, and teachers at day schools and yeshivot throughout the world.

''Being involved in YU, the most prestigious and visibly Jewish institution of higher learning, gives me great pride. I feel very grateful to be able to give back and make it possible for many people who might not have had the chance to pursue Jewish studies to do so in such a fine place as YU.'' -- Phil Friedman, Yeshiva University Board of Trustees

Our secular education

Yeshiva University is, quite simply, the premier institution of higher secular education in North America under Jewish auspices. It is a top-tier global university with three undergraduate schools of liberal arts, sciences, and business; six graduate and professional schools of medicine, law, psychology, social work, education, and Jewish studies; and an affiliated rabbinical seminary.

Our graduates go on to become successful lawyers, doctors, psychologists, and others who contribute to the welfare of their communities and society at large.

YU's distinguished faculty constantly works to fulfill our mission: to ''bring wisdom to life'' through all that we teach, by all that we do and for all those we serve.

• 93% of our 2009 graduates were employed or are in graduate school as of four months after graduation
• Students in both Stern's and Yeshiva College's science programs have been admitted to the finest graduate schools in the country, including Harvard University, Columbia University, University of Pennsylvania, New York University and Johns Hopkins University.
• 31 of 2009's graduating students were admitted to medical schools. Four out of five YU undergraduates who apply to medical school are accepted--more than twice the national average. 10% of students taking the MCAT at YU score above a 35 (the 95th percentile).
• Approximately 75 YU graduates go to law school each year (some 15% of our graduating students). 15% of students taking the LSAT score about 167 (the 95th percentile). 13 members of this year's graduating class will attend a top 10 law school including Harvard, Yale, Columbia, University of Pennsylvania, Berkeley and Northwestern.

Our commitment to the Jewish Community

The majority of YU's undergraduate students participate in programs that enhance Jewish life and greater society, in keeping with Judaism's core values of helping to repair the world and assisting those in need.

In line with YU's mission and in response to the major problems affecting the Jewish community, Yeshiva University developed Center for the Jewish Future in 2007. Its mandate is to develop future professional and lay leaders of the Jewish people and to implement programs and services that will meet the needs of the Jewish community. Some of its vital resources to communities across the globe are Torah Tours, international Counterpoint Program, Torah Leadership Network, and YUConnects.

YU's most recent development is the Zahava and Moshael Straus Center for Torah and Western Thought, which will provoke meaningful conversation in Jewish communities across North America and beyond about what it means to view Western ideals and values through the lens of Torah Judaism.

A strong Yeshiva University is the best assurance that the Jewish people will preserve their identity and values and flourish for generations to come.

''Yeshiva University has an additional mission in parallel with nurturing outstanding graduate and undergraduate schools: It plays a unique role in shaping the future of Judaism. Therefore, we must continue to extend those programs that strengthen the worldwide community built around Judaism and its ethical teachings.'' -- Henry Kressel '55YC, Chairman of the Board of Trustees

Our priority to our students

With a first-rate education in both Jewish and secular studies comes an expense that many families, especially in the current economic climate, cannot always meet. YU's most important priority is scholarships for our students. We are deeply committed to never turning away a qualified student who wishes to attend Yeshiva, no matter what his or her financial situation may be.

Last year, we awarded $38 million in undergraduate scholarships, with seven out of ten students receiving scholarship assistance. The average scholarship award, in the past few years, exceeds $20,000. To continue doing the vital work in service of the Jewish people and the world, we ask you to consider a donation to YU. It is the east possible investment you can make to assure a stronger Jewish future and a better world.

• In three years (as of 2010), the percentage of our undergraduates receiving either need-based or academic scholarships has increased from 72% to 75%.  The average scholarship award exceeding $21,000
• Our undergraduates embody the Jewish values and ideals we hold most dear: a passion for the Jewish people; absolute support for the land, State, and people of Israel; the development of future Jewish leadership, in the United States and Israel; and the strengthening of Modern Orthodoxy.
• This year we awarded $35M in scholarships. Approximately a third of this comes from philanthropy and two-thirds from the University's budget.

''There's nothing more important than providing students with all the benefits YU has to offer - including protecting the ideals and the foundations of the Jewish tradition. If a student cannot attend because of financial issues, it is not just a missed opportunity for that person, it is potentially a multi-generational loss for the broader Jewish community.''
-- Lance Hirt '89YC, Yeshiva University Board of Trustees

Some quotes from our students:

''Due to the financial circumstances of my family, I truly feel blessed to have the opportunity to be a student at Yeshiva University. Please realize that your generous contributions have really made an enormous impact in my life and will continue to open many doors for me in the form of community leadership and professional success.''
-- A Stern College economics major minoring in math and the recipient of the Harwit Scholarship

''I chose Yeshiva University for many reasons, the main one being that I wanted to be in an environment where I could feel comfortable being a Jew and where I could pursue a great education. I am most grateful for the scholarship support that makes my education and enlightenment possible."
-- A sophomore economics and business major and a recipient of the Ruth and Irwin Shapiro Scholarship Fund at Yeshiva University

''It is only with the grace and benevolence of people such as you that I and so many others like me are able to make our way through school happy and healthy, whether physically, spiritually or monetarily. It is your investment that allows us to blossom into the leaders of the next generation and to put our talents to their fullest use.''
-- A senior political science major and a recipient of the Mozes S. Schupf Foundation Fellowship at Yeshiva College

''My ability to attend Stern College as a result of scholarship support will enable me to enter the working world as a proud and confident Jewish young woman. I believe I am receiving the academic knowledge I need to excel in graduate school, as well as the communication skills required for proper social interaction in the professions. Thank you once again for your tremendous financial assistance. It is truly appreciated.''
-- A senior biology major and a recipient of the Doris Kukin Endowed Scholarship

YU is a place where - because of its mission and relatively small size - one generous individual or family can make a significant difference in the quality of education and have an impact on the Jewish people.

To give to YU, you can click on the ''Give Now'' tab found on our homepage, which will take you to a secure transaction site in which you can be confident that your information will not be shared with anyone. To learn more about the different ways to give, to ask questions, or to speak to someone who can give you more specific information, contact give2yu@yu.edu or 212. 960.0863.