Leon J. Greenspan Memorial Scholarship
New scholarship portal opens January 2027
Win a $1,000 scholarship built for students who want to shape the future of U.S.-Israel relations.
Apply nowAI-generated or majority AI-generated will be disqualified. AI help with headlines is acceptable.
Applicants must reside in the United States or its territories (e.g., Puerto Rico, Northern Mariana Islands).
Great students get lost in the pile every year. Funding gaps stall careers before they start, and the passion that should set you apart never gets seen. The deadline passes, and the opportunity goes to someone who moved first.
Previous winners
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Avery Elizabeth BrownUniversity of Florida
2026 1st place winner
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Emma KirschbaumThe Ohio State University
2026 2nd place winner
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Elia GroodUniversity of Southern California
2024
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Aziya HarpsSpelman College
2023
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Olivia GersteinBinghamton University
2022
Built for what you've already earned
This scholarship rewards a strong academic record, real leadership, and a genuine interest in the alliance between the United States and Israel. Choose the essay prompt that fits your field, whether that is health security, American manufacturing jobs, or the race to lead in AI and quantum science.
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Academic record
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Leadership
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Genuine interest
Choose one essay prompt
Write in prose only, up to 1,000 words. Footnotes are required and do not count toward the word limit.
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Health and Life Sciences
(Domestic Health Security)
Research a specific Israeli-born medical technology now integrated into U.S. healthcare (neurology, oncology, surgical robotics, or a related field). Using both U.S. sources (FDA, CDC) and Israeli sources, analyze how it has improved health outcomes for Americans, and explain why this collaborative infrastructure is a matter of domestic health security.
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Defense and Economic Impact
(The American Worker)
Identify a U.S. state or region where U.S.-Israel defense co-production (for example, the F-35 or Arrow missile systems) is an economic driver. Evaluate how this collaboration protects American service members while creating high-skill jobs, and assess the economic consequence for that community if the industrial bond were severed.
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Future Frontiers
(AI and Quantum Science)
Argue how joint U.S.-Israel leadership in AI and quantum science protects Americans day-to-day, whether through the security of the energy grid, the privacy of consumer data, or U.S. leadership in space (Artemis missions). Explain why Israel is the right primary partner in these high-stakes frontiers.
Why this scholarship exists
Leon J. Greenspan, founder of Greenspan & Greenspan, believed the U.S.-Israel relationship was a vital American interest, and that empowering talented students strengthens an entire community. This memorial scholarship continues that commitment with a clear award and transparent judging.
How to apply
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Confirm you qualify. Enrolled in an accredited U.S. undergraduate, graduate, or professional program, with a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or above. (Accredited community college students, plus high school seniors and GED holders accepted to or enrolled in an accredited program, are eligible.)
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Pick one essay prompt (A, B, or C).
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Research and cite. Use at least one official U.S. government or academic source and at least one official Israeli source. Footnotes or endnotes are required.
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Submit by email. Send your essay (PDF), resume (PDF), and current unofficial transcript to scholarshipgreenspan@gmail.com.
AI-generated submissions will not be considered
Applicants must be U.S. residents
Key dates and award
- Portal opens: January 2027
- Submission deadline: announced when the portal opens
- Award announcement: July 31
- Scholarship amount: $1,000
All application materials must be submitted by the deadline.
How entries are judged
| Criteria | Weight |
|---|---|
| Research Depth (use of primary U.S. and Israeli sources) | 40% |
| Domestic Impact (clear connection to American benefit) | 30% |
| Writing & Logic (clarity, persuasiveness, adherence to word limit) | 20% |
| Citation Integrity (proper footnotes, verifiable sources) | 10% |
Required application materials: essay (1,000 words maximum, prose only, footnotes required) as a PDF, current resume as a PDF, and a current unofficial transcript.
Research requirements
To ensure original, substantive research, all applicants must meet the following standards.
- Dual-sourcing rule: Essays must cite at least one official U.S. government or academic source and at least one official Israeli source.
- Open source policy: Applicants are encouraged to find sources beyond the list below. Any credible, verifiable source (government portals, academic journals, official trade registries, or binational fund reports) is permitted.
- Citation style: Footnotes or endnotes are mandatory. AI detection software will be used; however, specific, verifiable citations of modern data will be the primary measure of authenticity.
Recommended sources
These are starting points. Applicants are not limited to this list.
United States sources
- U.S. Department of Agriculture (NIFA): Global Engagement / BARD partnership data
- U.S. Department of Energy (DOE): International Affairs / U.S.-Israel Energy Center
- NASA.gov: ISA-NASA 10-year strategic agreement (Artemis missions)
- FDA database: 510(k) or PMA approvals for Israeli-developed medical devices
- Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA): U.S.-Israel international trade in goods and services
Israeli sources
- Israel Innovation Authority: innovationisrael.org.il
- Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology: most.gov.il
- BIRD Foundation: birdf.com
- BARD Fund: bard-isus.org
- BSF Foundation: bsf.org.il
Ready to stand out?
Send your essay, resume, and transcript to scholarshipgreenspan@gmail.com.
The winner is announced July 31.
Have a question first? Email scholarshipgreenspan@gmail.com