Scholarships

A new scholarship fund, the Ben and Martin Jabenis Memorial Endowment Fund, has been established at the Jewish Community Foundation to benefit Jewish students attending Johnson County Community College (JCCC) and Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy. The fund is currently seeking scholarship applications from full-time JCCC students; applications from College Now participants and part-time students will also be considered. 

The fund was established through a bequest by the late Larry and Sandie Jabenis, in memory of their sons, Ben and Martin, who passed away as young adults from a rare disorder called Familial Dysautonomia. As Larry and Sandie wrote in the Jewish Community Foundation’s Endowment Book of Life (a collection of testimonies from community members about their motivations for leaving planned gifts), “Our boys were very kind, caring and compassionate people and were always concerned about others in spite of their own handicaps. We would like to honor their memory by leaving this legacy for two brave, wonderful and courageous young men.” The Jewish Community Foundation is honored to be entrusted with this generous family’s planned gift which will make a meaningful impact on future generations.

Dawn Gale, a JCCC faculty member for over twenty years, touts the opportunity saying, “I have firsthand knowledge and experience with the high-quality educational opportunities JCCC offers. I have seen a wide range of traditional and non-traditional students benefit from JCCC's small class sizes, academic resource centers, and the student-centered focus of our college community.

She notes “My daughter has also begun her college journey at JCCC taking advantage of the benefits offered by JCCC's Honors Program, Global Awareness Program, and Sustainability Distinction Program, along with seamless transfer options in preparation to attend the University of Kansas.” 

The Ben and Martin Jabenis Memorial Endowment Fund will award need-based scholarships to JCCC students up to the full cost of tuition and books. Applications will be reviewed by a scholarship committee which in this initial year will award funds on a rolling basis.

The HBHA scholarships will be given through the school’s regular scholarship process and interested students, both current and prospective, can reach out to the school to learn more.

“We are grateful for the Jabenis Memorial Scholarship,” said Annie Glickman, HBHA Head of School. “This meaningful gift will enable students and especially those with special needs a chance to benefit from the wonderful opportunities that Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy provides.”

For more information about this fund or to inquire about opportunities to establish your own fund to meet your personal charitable goals, please contact the Jewish Community Foundation at 913-327-8245 or info@jcfkc.org.