News & Impact

This fall, outstanding Bay Area students are pursuing their higher education goals with the help of scholarships through JFCS’ Financial Aid Center. These life-changing scholarships are possible because of the generosity of donors who value education.

The 2022 recipients of the Vivienne S. Camp Scholarship join more than three decades of scholars who have benefited from the kindness of Vivienne Camp, who left a legacy to aid the next generation. Recipients must demonstrate academic excellence and Jewish community involvement and earn acceptance to a California college.

Meet the 2022 Vivienne S. Camp Scholarship Recipients

Bila Tzion

Bila Tzion was en route to Jewish summer camp when they received the news about the Vivienne S. Camp Scholarship. “I was grateful, honored, and even more excited for college than I already was,” the San Francisco resident said.

“Because this is a Jewish scholarship, it made me more aware of the importance of having a Jewish community I can count on,” says Bila, who will be attending Pomona College in Southern California. “I know I can always count on my Jewish communities to help me when I need it, and if someone else is in need I will help them.”

Bila’s path will be guided by a deeply rooted commitment to social justice, stemming from their grandfather’s stories of antisemitism and the example of personal heroes like Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginzburg z’l.

Matthew Genser

“When I think of what being Jewish means to me, I think of three words: togetherness, kindness, and virtue,” says Matthew Genser, a San Francisco resident.

“I was happy and thankful when I learned I was selected for a Vivienne S. Camp Scholarship. It eased my worries about funding college,” says Matthew. “I look forward to when I can give back to help others like I am being helped today.”

Matthew long has planned for a career in the healthcare field and was thrilled to gain admittance to UC Davis, which has renowned pre-med and other pre-health science programs.

“I want to be able to help people with their health as much as possible because to me helping people would be of the highest value in life,” he says.

Naomi Patel

“Being selected for the Vivienne S. Camp Scholarship showed me that academic success, perseverance, and effort is acknowledged and rewarded,” says Naomi Patel. “This scholarship is an example of how the Jewish community supports and helps its members.”

During high school, Naomi gained leadership skills as a volunteer and intern with Be’chol Lashon, a nonprofit organization that celebrates the ethnic, racial, and cultural diversity of the Jewish people. “Through this meaningful experience, I learned the principles of civically engaged leadership and the importance of embracing all of our rich, global cultural traditions,” she says. “I also discovered the magnitude of philanthropic actions and how helping others is an essential part of any Jewish community.”

This fall, Naomi will leave Marin and begin her studies in Liberal Arts and Engineering as part of the Honors program at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly).

Learn more about JFCS’ educational loans and grants >

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Since 1850, JFCS’ Loans and Grants Program has been supported by generous individuals, foundations, the business community, and JFCS‘ Named Endowment Funds. For information about establishing a scholarship, please contact Barbara Farber at [email protected] or 415-449-3858.