The Bara’em Hi-Tech program at Givat Haviva gives promising Arab high school students in Israel, many from disadvantaged backgrounds, the opportunity to study computer engineering and technology, and earn credits toward a bachelor’s degree in computer science while still in high school.

This head start, identical to the format that the army makes available to the most talented Jewish students, is the foundation for the “Start-Up Nation.

” Cultural and geographic accessibility, supplementary Hebrew language lessons, Arab lecturers and/or teaching assistants as role models, personal guidance and accompaniment, and need-based scholarships combine to make the program uniquely accessible to promising Arab students and their families.

The program first opened in 2015 in cooperation with the Netanya Academic College, and enrollment grew every year until Covid. When circumstances allow, Givat Haviva plans to expand to other areas, in cooperation with other academic institutions, in response to demand in the field.

Since Israel’s economy is in need of more skilled hi-tech workers, and Israel’s Arab citizens are in need of rewarding employment opportunities, Bara’em Hi-Tech provides benefit to everyone.

For more information in Hebrew and Arabic about the program here