Friends of Israel Sci-Tech Schools -
A new organization that has exclusive right to raise funds for historic educational network
Friends of Israel Sci-Tech Schools Finances the Academic Needs of More Than 100,000 Israeli Students
More than 100,000 students attending Israel's largest independent network of schools and colleges will now receive financial support from a new North American organization, Friends of Israel Sci-Tech Schools.
The educational network – established in Israel in 1949 – was modeled on the Organization for Rehabilitation and Training that was founded in Russia in 1880. Today, the Israeli network manages 165 junior and senior high schools, industrial schools, educational centers, and technical, engineering and academic colleges throughout Israel. Its students – comprised of Jews, Arabs, Muslims, Christians, Druze and Bedouins – benefit from a curriculum rich in science and technology that is imbued with a values-based pedagogy.
Most students become practical engineers and technicians and many continue their education to become degreed engineers who provide the backbone of Israel’s high-tech industry and ensure Israel’s long-range survival. They give back to their communities by participating in volunteer projects that serve their fellow students, children and the elderly.
Currently, 500,000 graduates serve in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and work in defense, technology, medical and service organizations.
Friends of Israel Sci-Tech Schools is the only non-profit organization in North America dedicated to raising funds in the U.S. for the network-affiliated schools. Friends of Israel Sci-Tech Schools appeals to donors who want to maintain a well-educated, highly-skilled citizenry committed to upholding Israel’s societal values and economic fortitude.
Serving on the Friends of Israel Sci-Tech Schools advisory board are:
· Edith Everett, Co-founder and President, Everett Foundation
· Charlotte K. Frank, Ph.D., Senior Vice President, Research & Development, McGraw-Hill Education, McGraw-Hill Companies
· Uzi Landman, Regents and Institute Professor, Georgia Institute of Technology
· Herzel Laor, Manager, Fiber ID LLC and founder of the Hebrew edition of Scientific American magazine
· Robert Pollack, Ph.D., Professor of biological sciences and Director of the Center for the Study of Science and Religion, Columbia University
For more information about Friends of Israel Sci-Tech Schools, visit www.israel-scitech-schools.org or call 212-840-1166.
***
Note to editors: To schedule interviews with members of the Friends of Israel Sci-Tech Schools advisory board or to obtain their photos, contact Wendy Hirschhorn at 212-826-8790 or wendyhi@nyc.rr.com.
About Friends of Israel Sci-Tech Schools
The Organization for Rehabilitation and Training was founded in Russia in 1880. In 1949, a network of schools was established in Israel based on the same ideals and in the belief that education is the foundation of a strong Jewish people. Today, Friends of Israel Sci-Tech Schools provides financial support for this historic, independent network of 165 schools and colleges serving the educational needs of 100,000 Israeli students and strengthened by 500,000 alumni.