A Scholars Program that Strengthens Students' Leadership Skills
The Gordon Leadership Scholarship is part of the York College Honors Program. It was established through an endowment from philanthropists Doris and Bernard Gordon to increase the visibility of Jewish students on campus and encourage students to play an active role in Jewish student life during their time at YCP.
Gordon Scholars represent a broad range of Jewish backgrounds, and are passionate about both learning and celebrating Jewish life. By building and demonstrating leadership abilities in group and individual initiatives, this program aids students in learning to live with Jewish values as they gain a deeper understanding of their background and become adults who are proud to be Jewish.
Applications for First-Year Students will open Fall 2025.
Program Benefits
Scholarship
Access to a $3,000/year scholarship (distributed as $1,500/semester) for up to four years.
Support
A supportive network of peers, faculty, and staff devoted to your success in the program.
Networking
Network with faculty, staff, and community leaders committed to preserving Jewish life on campus and in the community.
Travel
Receive funding to study abroad on YCP-affiliated trips and attend conferences around the country related to Jewish life and/or your field of study.
Program Details
Students should submit an application to the Gordon Leadership Scholarship program by March 15, 2026. Contact gordoncenter@ycp.edu for more information on this program.
- Be enrolled as a full-time status York College of Pennsylvania student in good standing with the college.
- Maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA or higher.
- Engage in 2 hours/month of Jewish learning or volunteering at the JCC or synagogue.
- Actively engage with and participate in YCP Hillel events on campus.
- Attend and participate in the Gordon Scholars retreat during the Fall semester, along with all Gordon Scholars meetings.
- Complete all required assignments and attend all academic classes for your major.
- Abide by YCP policies and procedures and be represented in the Student Handbook.
- Uphold the mission and core values of the Gordon Center.
- Fulfill all requirements for the Gordon Scholarship as outlined by the Financial Aid office.
The Gordon Leadership Scholarship was established by philanthropists Doris and Bernard Gordon through an endowment that allotted funds for the creation of a building for Jewish students, along with scholarship funds “for the purpose of increasing the number and visibility of Jewish students” at York College. This program has been running since 2017, and nearly 20 students have graduated from the program, serving as leaders in various industries, including medicine, business, and sales.
Connect with the Co-Directors
Julianna Orkin
Coordinator of Jewish Student Life
Ilana Krug
Associate Professor of History