From the North and the South to the Technion

120 high school students from communities in the Gaza Envelope and from the north who were forced to evacuate their homes completed the “Robophysics” program of the Atidim association in the last couple of months at the Technion. The students were divided into four one-week cohorts, and additional cohorts with new students will be held in the coming weeks.

The program held at the Technion was adapted to the current reality and is attended by 11th-12th grade students who were evacuated from their homes. They spend a week at the Technion studying at an academic level and social and enrichment activities with full hospitality on campus.

The “Robophysics” program was founded about a decade ago by the entrepreneur Ofer Danino, a graduate with two degrees from the Technion (electrical and computer engineering, science and technology education), and is held under the auspices of the Viterbi Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Following the outbreak of the “Iron Swords” War, the management of the program decided to make it accessible in a targeted manner to students who had to evacuate their homes.

The “Atidim” association, which works to exploit the potential of human capital in the geographical and social periphery, was roped in to lead the project. The President of the Technion, Prof. Uri Sivan, thanked the organizers and said that it was a “goal that is very important”. I have no doubt that you brightened the days of the boys and girls of the youth from the Gaza Envelope and the northern border, and I am sure that the week you are giving them will be etched in their hearts and will influence their path now and in the future. Well done!”

Prof. Idit Keidar, Dean of the Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Viterbi , told the students: “These are not the ideal circumstances for learning, and it is difficult for all of us to concentrate, but I hope that the program will provide you with an opportunity to disconnect a little from the news and acquire significant knowledge in an experiential and enriching way. This program gives the graduates an academic merit point, and we will of course be happy if, following this taste, you decide to continue studying with us at the faculty.”

The program includes full accommodation at the Technion, 45 hours of study through classes and practical workshops and various enrichment activities. The program entitles the participants (with a score exceeding 85) with a valid academic credit point for further studies at the faculty and with a score of 45%, of the matriculation grade in physics. After a week at the Technion, the participants receive extended personal guidance and a subsidy for a psychometric course until matriculation and enlistment in the IDF. In this special format, the program takes place at t:hub, the entrepreneurship and innovation center at the Technion, for six days for each cohort of students.

According to Meital Shaked, director of the ‘Future Youth’ programs : “The Atidim association and the Technion together built an emergency plan in four days. The program touches on an immediate need that exists in the field and in front of a population that the Atidim association has been working with for over 20 years. The overarching goal of the emergency program is to exhaust the potential of the outstanding students from the evacuated communities despite the great crisis and the difficult situation we are all in, facing the task of graduation and being drafted into the IDF. The Technion has opened its heart and campus to allow the participants of the program to enjoy all the goodness and quality that the leading institution the Technion has to offer. We are very grateful and appreciate this partnership. I have no doubt that this is a collaboration that will continue in the future.”