This December, Jewish students who have never been to Israel may get their chance.

Sponsored by Birthright Israel, students can go on a 10-day trip to Israel. Any Jewish person, ages 18 to 26, who has never been to Israel is eligible to apply.

The deadline for this winter's program is Thursday.

Birthright Israel is an extensive Jewish outreach program to target young adults. By 2005, they hope to take 25,000 students to Israel who have never been there before.

Last December was the program's first launch. More than 8,000 students from all over the world were sent to Israel. Another 2,000 students were sent in May and June. This December, the program hopes to send 12,000 students, including 7,500 from North America.

In North America, there are about 300,000 Jewish young adults and about 90 percent of them go to college.

"Clearly, the potential number is greater that the number we can send to Israel," said Michael Steinhardt, a philanthropist and co-founder of Birthright Israel. "We have only just begun."

In today's world, this is the most far-reaching project and vision by two men who set forth to change Jewish life in the 21st century. It's a gift to young people, so they can feel connected to the Jewish people worldwide, said Birthright Israel Chairwoman Marlene Post.

Students from all over the world have become a part of the program. Both Russia and Uruguay have been involved with the program.

Uruguay, which has a small, isolated and poor Jewish community, has been struggling. Birthright Israel has arranged for the worldwide organization of Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life to head there to become the center for Jewish activity, Steinhardt said.

When asked if there was apprehension from the students because of recent tension in Israel, Jeff Samberg, philanthropist, said the tension only fuels the need to draw more people to Israel to help feel more connected.

"The program is intended to reiterate that we are one people from all nationalities," said Steinhardt.

There are three major ways Birthright Israel receives funding for the program. The government of the state of Israel contributes $70 million, 14 philanthropists each contribute $5 million, and other Jewish communities give another $70 million. When added together, the three parts each give $210 million, according to the Birthright Israel Web site.

When the students go to Israel, they are required to participate in four basic educational functions. They should become familiar with biblical and political Israel, and with the Holocaust. Also, they should spend a day with an Israeli peer.

The project focuses most on the concern for young Jewish people and loss of identity. Steinhardt, who is said to be Wall Street's most successful money manager, has taken his fortune and devoted it to the causes for Jewish people.

"Growing up today in America, where Jews are overwhelmingly accepted . . . the issue is to begin to understand why it's important to be Jewish, when being an American is so attractive," said Steinhardt.