Largest tuition cut in the history of Jewish education
Editor’s Note: Rosov Consulting worked closely with the leadership of Tanenbaum Community Hebrew Academy of Toronto (CHAT) to position the school to make drastic tuition cuts, merge its campuses, and have a viable future serving its students.
On March 6, 2017 The Anne & Max Tanenbaum Community Hebrew Academy of Toronto (TanenbaumCHAT) and UJA Federation of Greater Toronto announced a total of $15 million in gifts – from two exceptionally generous donors – that will help ensure the affordability of TanenbaumCHAT and enhance the future of Jewish education in the GTA for the next generation.
According to the UJA, the donations, comprised of a $10 million Jesin-Neuberger Foundation Gift; and a $5 million gift from an anonymous donor (of which $1 million has been earmarked to strengthen Jewish education in York Region); together with additional fundraising, will result in a dramatic reduction in tuition from nearly $28,000 to $18,500 beginning in the 2017-18 school year and will maintain tuition under $19,000 for each of the next five years.
The UJA statement noted that in order to address decreasing enrolment and ensure that all students have access to the broadest range of courses and extra-curricular activities, the Board of Directors of TanenbaumCHAT has made the decision to merge the school into a single campus in the Wilmington location effective September, 2017.
“UJA’s strategic plan calls for bold moves to ensure the affordability of Jewish education and we are proud of this huge step,” said Adam Minsky, President & CEO, UJA Federation of Greater Toronto. “These visionary gifts will provide assistance to the many families who stretch to pay tuition and will enable hundreds of students to benefit from an exceptional Jewish high school education, strengthening our community for generations to come. This initiative underscores the value we place on Jewish education, as well as UJA’s commitment to providing as many families as possible with the opportunity to choose Jewish for their children.”
Bruce Leboff, Board Chair, UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, stated: “The donors have amazed me with their generosity, and these gifts are truly transformative. It will make TanenbaumCHAT a viable option for countless parents who want to provide their children with a Jewish high school education, but for whom tuition has been a barrier. It also builds on other supports UJA provides for Jewish education, funded by our annual Campaign, including millions of dollars in tuition assistance each year. I hope this philanthropic leadership inspires others to imagine what is possible.”
Registration for TanenbaumCHAT’s 2017/18 academic year has been re-opened and late fees have been waived. To learn more about a TanenbaumCHAT education contact Laurie Wasser at 416-636-5984 x 291 or visit www.tanenbaumchat.org
Source: CIJNews
