Weizmann Institute of Science Ma’ale – Program for Excelling Students in Science and Engineering
If you are outstanding or gifted students from the Arab sector who plan to major in science in high school and you don’t shy away from hard work – we have just the program for you!
The excellence program for the Arab community aspires to change the rules of the game in Israel and enable outstanding Arab students to become part of Israel’s academia and high-tech industry in the future.
The program is recognized by the Education Ministry and the Council for Higher Education as a unique subject on a 5-point level of studies. This earns science graduates bonus points in their university admissions scores. In addition, our program works on five key issues:
1. Scientific enrichment: The program is taught by lecturers from the Weizmann Institute and the Davidson Institute of Science Education. In addition to lab visits, students will get the opportunity to receive the highest level of exposure to relevant research.
2. Professional role models: Experts and professionals from academia and industry spend time with the students, to both illustrate and demonstrate professional success in the various industries in which students can integrate in the future.
3. Learning Hebrew: Lessons are conducted in Hebrew, providing participants with an opportunity to improve their language skills with the aim of placing them on a par with native Hebrew speakers ahead of entering the Israeli job market in the future.
4. Soft skills: The program aims, in part, to help participants acquire skills such as public speaking, self-confidence, team work, complex problem solving, and more.
5. Networking: The combination of all activities helps participants create a social and professional circle that will assist them in the future, as they apply to higher-education institutions and places of employment.
Are things like “bending” a soccer ball, melting an ice cube or popping popcorn in the microwave really just everyday phenomena? Not to us! Participants in the Ma’ale Excellence program for the Arab Community create computer simulations of these and other phenomena to try and predict their results: Where will the ball we kicked go, which part of the ice cube melts first, and at what exact second will the corn kernel pop.
The Ma’ale program was developed with the support and collaboration of Yad Hanadiv Foundation and the Klarman Foundation to identify and support excelling students from the Arab community, to help them to fulfill their potential while meeting their unique needs, due to language difficulties and the academic entry level. The program exposes the students to the academic world in the STEM fields and the opportunities and possibilities that it offers.
Over the course of the three-year program, students acquire 21st century learning tools and skills through theoretical and practical learning of the fields of exact sciences and technology. The program focuses on computational science, including profound knowledge in programming (Python), applied to solving scientific problems. In addition, the program includes field trips to Start-Up companies and meetings with Arab engineers and researchers who are involved in cutting-edge studies and technological or biological development.
At the end of each year, participants carry out a research project that combines programming and science and focuses on a topic of their choice! So if you are willing to work hard for your future, we would like to work with you!!
Outstanding 9th grade Arab students who are passing to the 10th grade, and are studying mathematics on a 5-point level and have chosen or intend to choose 5-point level physics or chemistry or any other scientific field as an expanded subject.
The program takes place over the course of three years, until the end of 12th grade. Opening at the beginning of the school year, four-hour weekly sessions are held every Wednesday afternoon. Additional study days are held throughout the year, during school vacations.
Screening tests take place at Haifa University, between 4:00 and 7:30 p.m.
Studies usually take place at Haifa University in the north of Israel. Students visit The Davidson Institute of Science Education at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, as well as other research universities and high-tech companies.
2200 NIS a year per student + 65 NIS for screening tests. The fee can be divided into up to six installments. The tuition fee includes all science workshops at the Weizmann Institute as well as transportation costs! Scholarships are also available for students who meet the criteria.
Eligible students will go through a screening process. The screening tests will take place at Haifa University. To apply, please click the registration button below.
PROF. Hossam Haick
At Ma’ale, our purpose is to leverage the power of computational science to both unlock and tackle real-world issues. During their journey, our students will refine their knowledge of science and coding, building the essential groundwork for a successful future career and additional advanced educational experiences. One of the exceptional components of our program is the prospect of connecting with experienced professionals and investigators from a wide array of Arab startups, engineering companies, and organizations who are trailblazing the way in the latest research. These invaluable chances offer guidance, information, and a direct view of the numerous opportunities that can arise with a career in science and technology.
Members of the steering committee
