Ten outstanding Chicago-area students have been chosen to receive 2014 Israel Experience merit scholarships from the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago.

The awards, which go to high school, college and graduate students to age 23 who demonstrate significant leadership skills, are designed to encourage the development of Jewish identity, nourish greater commitment to Israel and the Chicago Jewish community, and recognize future leaders.

Eight of the students will receive Jewish Federation Naftali Steinfeld Israel Experience Merit Scholarships, and two others will get the Women’s Board Presidential Israel Experience Merit Scholarship.

The Naftali Steinfeld Merit Scholarship recipients are:

• Kevin Clair, Chicago/West Rogers Park, Fasman Yeshiva High School
• Paul Dolmon, Woodstock , University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
• Rivka Goldmeier, Chicago/West Rogers Park, Hanna Sacks Bais Yaakov High School
• David Goldshmidt, Skokie, Ida Crown Jewish Academy
• Nechama Neren, Skokie, Ida Crown Jewish Academy
• Tali Pelts, Niles, Ida Crown Jewish Academy
• Gavriel Schankerman, Evanston, Chicagoland Jewish High School
• Yvette Smith, Chicago/Albany Park, Lane Tech College Prep High School

The Women’s Board Presidential Merit Scholarship recipients are:

• Leah Karchmer, Highland Park, DePaul University
• Avital Stein, Skokie, Ida Crown Jewish Academy

The winners were selected from more than 40 outstanding, dedicated teens and young adults for their involvement in multiple activities (Jewish and secular), their leadership roles, and their ability to be role models for their peers.

“These recipients exemplify an outstanding commitment to our community through their leadership, accomplishments and dedication to Israel,” said Jodie Berkman, chair of the Academic Scholarship Committee. “Our community is so very fortunate to have such accomplished young adults who will continue to model leadership for future generations.”

Each recipient will receive $1,000 toward his or her upcoming approved Israel Experience program.

For more information about the Jewish Federation Israel Experience Merit Scholarship Program, visit www.juf.org/israel_experience/merit_scholarship.aspx.