Tuesday, December 3, 2019

#GivingTuesday: What's the Next Step for Underprivileged IDF Graduates?

written and translated by Dena Udren


This Giving Tuesday we are raising funds for a unique program at our IDF Preparatory Academy. After completing their army service, graduates of the academy often choose to come back for one year of intensive studies to prepare them for higher education. In order to be accepted to college or university, it is necessary to have good scores on English and math matriculation exams. Therefore, these young men spend their post-army year at the academy studying English, math, Torah, and other subjects that they may need in order to get into college.

According to Rav Yair Rosenthal, educational director of the IDF Preparatory Academy, this post-army program is a huge success. "We prepare them extensively with courses in English and math. And this is a huge accomplishment! For the guys who didn't take any matriculation exams in high school, today they are studying building and civil engineering, computers, and law. This one-year program has an enormous impact, with a giant success rate and really stellar results. What I like to call the "academic training program" proves itself year after year in a truly impressive fashion."

Now that these young men have finished their army service, they are full of experience, maturity, and drive to excel. Returning to their home at the academy to get ready for the next chapter of higher education is a natural smart move. Please consider making your own smart move to support the cost of providing them with the best staff and resources possible.