Gateway to Academy: Higher Education Program
Lishay Lavi
Director, Gateway to Academy
email: lishayl@sapir.ac.il
Sapir Academic College is dedicated to developing a thriving Negev by generating social, cultural and economic impact to the region. The College's mission is to provide all citizens, regardless of race, religion or background, with the opportunity to pursue higher education. As such, an important component of the College's vision is the advancement of Arab Bedouin students, impacting Israeli society today and the future.
The Arab Bedouin community in the Negev suffers from the highest poverty and unemployment rates in Israel, coupled with low rates of matriculation and eligibility for higher education. As a result, Arab Bedouin students have the highest college dropout rates in Israel.
At the request of Israel's Ministry of Education’s Council for Higher Education, Sapir created and launched in 2015, Gateway to Academy-Higher Education Program for Arab Bedouin Students. Our four-year program provides comprehensive solutions that address the academic, financial and cultural issues facing Bedouin students. The high staff to student ratio and personalized attention are key factors to Gateway's success.
Gateway's four-year program components include:
- Academics: Reinforced credited college courses, mentors and intensive academic assistance.
- Language: Extra hours and reinforcement of Hebrew and English language skills.
- Empowerment & Civil Society: Soft skills workshops, seminars, volunteer opportunities, retreats and site visits that address empowerment, identity and civil society.
- Finances: Generous scholarships, living and travel stipends, as well as Emergency Aid for students experiencing financial crises.
- Career Planning: Students participate in Sapir's new Career Center's Economic Empowerment and Career Planning courses, simulations and placement activities.
Candidates are encouraged to join the 6-week 'One Step Ahead' summer preparatory program. The program kicks off with an intensive pre-academic year in small homogenous classes, to prepare students for their selected degree studies. Participants that successfully complete the year-end exams, enroll in their chosen college departments. The year-end grades replace the requirement for psychometric examinations, (similar to the SAT in the United States), which are not culturally sensitive and remain a major obstacle for college admissions.
Sapir's Teaching Departments participating in the Gateway Program include:
The School of Social Work, Law School, The School of Audio & Visual Arts, Communications, Cultural Studies, Human Resources, Public Administration & Policy, Computer Sciences, Economics, Industrial Management, and Logistics. In addition, Gateway students can join Sapir's one year Bridge Programs with
Ben Gurion University in Engineering and Sciences.
In Their Own Words: Gateway Cohort -1 Alumni Profiles
Basma Abu Hani
Basma graduated with a degree from Sapir's School of Social Work, she is also an alumna of the "Cadets for Government" program. Basma volunteered in Sapir's Perach (after-school program for children and youth) program, academically mentoring three students. Currently, she works for the Kseifa Local Council as the Director of Resident Services. She is pursuing an MA in Educational Management and Policy at Ben-Gurion University. In her own words: "Studying at Sapir College created an unforgettable experience, a combination of gaining new knowledge, experiences, and fun. My studies allowed me to explore and learn about myself, which gave me the ability to connect easily with others. I am very happy that Sapir College and Gateway enabled me to become familiar with Israeli society, including people and ideas that I didn’t know about before, as well as the opportunity to introduce myself to them".
Abed al-Rahman Abu Madem
Abed graduated with a degree in Economics and Management. He currently works for the AJEEC Negev Institute as the coordinator of the Sabil Leadership Institute program in the south. In his own words: "What I love about Sapir College is the positive atmosphere, the support and the desire to give, along with the friends that I made and the tools that I acquired. They have greatly contributed to upgrading my professional and networking toolbox."
Koter Abu Kaf
Koter graduated with a degree in Communications, specializing in Marketing Communications and Digital Media. She works in a digital marketing office as a graphic designer and content manager for social networks. In addition, she teaches afterschool professional photography classes. In her own words: 'I never thought that I could choose a career in Communications, it is considered a strange choice in Arab Bedouin society, especially for women. I am one of the first Arab Bedouin woman to complete a degree in Digital Communication. This degree enabled me to become a professional, and spread the light within me, in my own community and wider society. Now, global companies like Microsoft want to write about my success story. My heartfelt thanks."
Karim Abu Ghanem
Karim graduated with a degree in Communications specializing in Journalism. She works as a Teacher’s Assistant at Sapir College and as a project manager at the Coexistence Forum in Be'er Sheva. In her own words: "The studies provided mental and emotional support and an effective way to view the world. During my studies, I went through a process of growth and change. I can say that Gateway and its programs offer an improvement to our lives as an individual and as a society."
Hussam Abu Siam
Hussam graduated with a degree from Sapir's School of Social Work and he is an alumnus of the "Cadets for Government" program. He worked as a consultant for Arab society in the Perach organization and now works in the Kseifa local council. He is pursuing an MA in Administration and Public Policy at Ben Gurion University. In his own words: "My learning experience at Sapir was unique. I experienced a family atmosphere, a welcoming, supportive and helpful place that motivated me with the great desire to influence and change, to take responsibility and initiative in my community and in Israeli society."