Atidim for Industry and the Business Sectoris dedicated to identifying and assisting outstanding young adults from the geographic and social periphery, after completion of their army service, to obtain a high quality academic education at institutions of higher learning and become quality professionals to lead businesses and industries in Israel.
The program gives these young people, whose academic qualifications are suitable but who would be unable to study on their own, opportunity to study at a university or college, to successfully complete their BA degrees in a field in demand by the industrial or business sector in Israel and, in parallel, gain relevant professional exposure and training. Upon completing their studies, graduates are able to begin significant careers and become productive citizens contributing socially and economically to Israel.
Atidim for Industry was established in 2002, following the success of the Israel Defense Forces Academic Reserve program, as an important solution to Israel’s significant economic and social needs.
Professions studied
The subjects studied in the program include engineering, exact sciences, economics, accounting, business management and law.
Partners
The program is operated and supported by Friends of "Atidim” in cooperation with the business sector in Israel, Manufacturers Association of Israel, institutions of higher education and the Israeli government. In 2006, approximately 130 companies participated in the program, adopting students for the period of their studies including completion of their BA degrees. Adopting companies provide scholarships, stipends to cover living expenses and professional mentoring.
Atidim is working to increase the number of companies involved, to enable more students to participate in the program.
Target Population
Young people, who have completed their army service (or who have been excused for objective reasons), from the geographic or social periphery and who have been accepted to an academic institution approved by the program.
Selection Process
Atidim offers opportunities to realize personal potential while providing financial, professional and personal support. Acceptance to the program is a two part process:
Stage One
The student must meet the conditions set by the program:
Academic conditions: acceptance to study at an institution of higher education in Israel in an acceptable profession
Socio-economic conditions: a resident of the periphery and/or appropriate socio-economic status
Appropriateness to the program: students must pass a personal interview during which the student is found to be deserving, committed and have a readiness to invest and succeed
Stage Two
The student must be accepted by an adopting company. Each company defines for itself the number of students needed and their profile. Atidim gives the companies the names of relevant students and each company selects from this list the students most appropriate for them in a selection process of their own choosing which may include: a personal interview, testing, appearance before a committee, etc.
Students who pass the company selection process are immediately admitted to the program, receive all of the privileges and are subject to all of its demands.
The student receives:
· A full scholarship for the entire period of study
· A monthly stipend for living expenses
· A portable computer
· Professional and social mentoring
· An opportunity to work at a leading Israeli company during the entire study period
· Personal empowerment and cultivation of a sense of excellence
Student Obligations:
· Work in the adopting company one day a week during the years of study
· Work in the adopting company for three years post graduation (in accordance with the requirements of the company)
· Meeting the academic requirements set by the program successfully
· Participation in social activities which contribute to the community
An investment, not a donation– ROI
The Atidim for Industry program creates opportunities and a win-win situation for all involved. The students enjoy financial support, professional experience during their studies and the promise of future employment; the adopting companies gain quality, professional, loyal future employees and the privilege of participating in a principled Zionist endeavor; the periphery is strengthened and the gaps between the periphery and the center are narrowed; thre State of Israel benefits economically and socially from professionals who integrate into the Israeli economy and enjoy success and prosperity.
Atidim operates to realize the human potential of outstanding young people from the periphery and transform them into human capital. In this way Atidim sees the return on its investment.
Did you know?
· The program began with 24 students who were adopted by 9 companies and today includes more than 500 students and more than 130 companies.
· 75% of the graduates continue to work in their adopting companies as regular employees
· 25% of the participants in the program are women
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