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 (HBHA).
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. Those interested in more information or applying can visit jcfkc.org/JabenisScholarship.
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.”
Jewish Community Foundation staff said that the organization is honored to be entrusted with this Jabenis family’s planned gift which will make a meaningful impact on future generations.
Dawn Gale, a JCCC faculty member for more than 20 years, touted the scholarship 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.
“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,” Gale continued.
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. Interested students, both current and prospective, can reach out to the school to learn more.
“We are grateful for the Jabenis Memorial Scholarship,” HBHA Head of School Annie Glickman said. “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.”
More information about this fund and inquiries about opportunities to establish a fund for personal charitable goals should be directed to the Jewish Community Foundation at (913) 327-8245 or .