Leon J. Greenspan Memorial

U.S.-Israel Relations Scholarship 2026

Academic programs that underscore the value of fostering efficient and successful diplomatic relations offer many benefits. Bridging the gap between different countries and cultures is necessary in order to promote peace and unity. These programs are essential because they provide people of different backgrounds the opportunity to engage with each other in meaningful ways. By highlighting common goals and values, we can encourage mutual understanding and acceptance of people from differing backgrounds.

The strength of the U.S. and Israel relationship is one example of the enduring influence and impact that a close alliance has. Leon J. Greenspan, the founder of Greenspan & Greenspan was a staunch supporter of the State of Israel and believed that the strengthening of the relationship was a vital interest of the United States. To emphasize the importance and benefits that this relationship offers, we are awarding a special $1,000 scholarship to a top student who is passionate about understanding the value of the U.S and Israel relationship. They must demonstrate an impressive academic record and substantive experience in leadership roles. Qualifying applicants should show an interest in a career like law, international relations, engineering and technology, and other related subject areas that will allow them to learn more about the U.S.-Israel relations on a deeper level and build relevant professional experience.

Helping the next batch of talented students have access to quality education can empower an entire community. Scholarship programs specifically dedicated to students who want to study international relations are one way that countries can participate in resonant and purposeful cultural exchange. We are excited to help deserving and talented scholars who aspire to achieve their goals and fulfill promising careers through this scholarship.

Eligibility Criteria

This scholarship is open to any student who is currently enrolled in an accredited undergraduate, graduate, or professional program in the United States. This includes accredited community college students as well as high school seniors and students who possess a GED who have been accepted to or are enrolled in an accredited program.

All eligible candidates must be in good academic standing with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 or above.

Essay Prompts — Choose One

All essays must be written in prose only (no bullet lists), with a maximum length of 1,000 words. Footnotes and endnotes do not count toward the word limit and are required (see Citation Requirements below).

Option A — Health & Life Sciences (Domestic Health Security) In 2025, the bipartisan BIRD Health initiative prioritized securing American medical supply chains through joint innovation. Research a specific Israeli-born medical technology — in neurology, oncology, surgical robotics, or a related field — currently integrated into the U.S. healthcare system. Using data from both U.S. sources (FDA/CDC) and Israeli sources, analyze how this technology has directly improved health outcomes for American citizens. Why is this collaborative medical infrastructure a matter of domestic “Health Security” for the American people?

Option B — Defense & Economic Impact (The American Worker) The U.S.-Israel FUTURES Act of 2026 emphasizes Defense Industrial Base cooperation — shifting the relationship from simple aid to shared American-based manufacturing. Thousands of American jobs depend on co-production of technologies like the F-35 or Arrow missile systems. Identify a specific U.S. state or region where this partnership is an economic driver. Evaluate how this collaboration protects American service members while simultaneously providing high-skill jobs for American workers. What would be the economic consequence for that community if this industrial bond were severed?

Option C — Future Frontiers (AI & Quantum Science) As of 2026, the U.S. and Israel have signed groundbreaking agreements under the “Pax Silica” framework to lead the world in Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Science. Argue how this joint leadership protects the daily lives of Americans — regarding the security of the U.S. energy grid, the privacy of consumer data, or U.S. leadership in Space (Artemis missions). Why is it in the direct interest of the American public for the U.S. to choose Israel as its primary partner in these high-stakes technological frontiers?

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 provided as 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

Judging Criteria

Required Application Materials

• Essay (1,000 words maximum, prose only, footnotes required) — submitted as a PDF
• Current resume — PDF format
• Current unofficial transcript

Submission Deadline: July 24, 2026

Award Announcement: July 31, 2026

Scholarship Amount: $1,000

All application materials must be submitted by this date

Application Instructions

Scholarship applicants must submit all application materials by email to: scholarshipgreenspan@gmail.com

If you have questions, please feel free to email scholarshipgreenspan@gmail.com