Reducing Social Gaps through Academia

Human capital is one of the key growth drivers of Israel’s economy. But for the country to maintain its global competitive edge, it must expand the participation of all subgroups and populations in higher education. TAU is committed to boosting accessibility to higher education among all talented Israelis – regardless of their socio-economic background or geographical location. Similarly, it is spearheading national efforts both to integrate the Ultra-Orthodox and Israeli-Arabs into the workforce, and to minimize gender gaps in academia.

Naming Opportunities

•  Promoting High-Level Academic Studies for At-Risk Youth: The program will offer scholarships and tailored comprehensive support, enabling at-risk youth to pursue degrees specifically in highly sought-after fields such as engineering, computer science, and more.

•  ExactShe Mentoring Program for Women in STEM: Approaching mentoring in the ‘pay it forward’ model, senior female faculty mentor female PhD students, who mentor female master׳s degree students, who mentor female bachelor׳s degree students. Over 350 women are involved today, and growing!

• Mentoring Program for Young Women (Social Work): A powerful rehabilitation program for young women suffering abuse and other severe difficulties who are mentored by former participants in the program.

• Periphery Honors Scholarship Fund: Champion 10 high-merit students per year from outlying towns across Israel who would otherwise never hope to gain a world-class university degree.

•  Legal Clinics: Seven law clinics provide free, high-quality legal representation to Israel’s most vulnerable groups, ranging from Holocaust survivors to asylum seekers, while instilling a social conscience among participating law students.

• Presidential Scholarship Fund: A special admissions track and comprehensive support for disadvantaged Jewish and minority students seeking degrees in highly competitive fields such as law, psychology and computer science. Sum will support 10 students annually.

• “Trailblazers” Program for Haredi Students: Provides ultra-Orthodox students with comprehensive support to ease their entry into secular academia and help them integrate into Israel’s mainstream employment market. Scholarships range from $5-10,000 annually depending on need.

• Dean of Students Fund for Special Needs Students: Providing crucial assistance for students who are physically disabled; those living with mental illness, chronic diseases, Asperger’s syndrome and other disorders; and those with learning disabilities.