The program places strong emphasis on both mathematical and scientific education and the development of Hebrew language proficiency, which is essential for successful participation in an academic environment.
The program aims to promote excellence in mathematics, science, and engineering while strengthening academic readiness among students from the Arab community, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to succeed in higher education.
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First Steps in Science
A program for gifted and outstanding students from Arab society, designed to expose them to studies in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
Director of Tel Aviv University for Youth
Dorit Sassman
University Phone Number: 03-6408469
Program Coordinator
Lotem Soloduch
Phone Number: 03-6405122
The “First Steps in Science” program aims to identify and nurture high-potential high school students from the Arab community, providing them with opportunities to explore Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) through advanced academic courses.
The program focuses on strengthening students’ motivation, fostering academic excellence, and equipping them with essential 21st-century skills, including critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork.
Through high-quality academic training and enrichment activities, the program prepares students for a successful transition into higher education, particularly in STEM disciplines, while laying a strong foundation for future careers in the high-tech industry.
The program consists of four main stages:
1. Pre-Preparatory Stage:
This stage introduces students to fundamental mathematics, alongside enrichment activities in physics. It lasts one academic semester and serves as an assessment and selection phase to determine students’ eligibility to continue in the program.
The pre-preparatory stage takes place during the second semester of 9th grade.
2. Preparatory Stage:
This stage focuses on foundational mathematics courses (Courses A and B) and takes place over two academic semesters during the 10th-grade school year.
3. Academic Incubator Stage:
This stage extends over two academic semesters during the 11th-grade school year. Students take an academic-level course in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) within a dedicated learning environment designed specifically for program participants.
This stage allows students to gradually develop their academic knowledge, skills, and experience while preparing for full integration into university-level studies.
4. University Integration Stage:
During the 12th-grade school year, students advance to the final stage of the program, where they attend academic courses alongside regular university students.
This stage provides participants with an authentic university learning experience, allowing them to become familiar with the academic environment, expectations, and challenges of higher education.
Each semester consists of approximately 14 sessions, with 4.5 hours of instruction per session, as well as additional Friday sessions held once a month, totaling approximately 75 instructional hours per semester.
More about the program
More about the program
The program also seeks to develop a strong pool of talented students from the Arab community, preparing them for future admission to and successful integration into university faculties specializing in science, mathematics, and engineering.
By equipping students with essential academic knowledge, skills, and competencies, the program aims to enable them to confidently meet the challenges and rigorous academic demands of these disciplines and achieve long-term academic success.
In addition, several intensive study days will be held during the summer, with varying durations and instructional hours.
The program includes academic courses that enable students to earn university-level academic credits while still in high school, giving them a valuable head start on their higher education journey.
In addition, our program focuses on five key area
- Scientific Enrichment: Educational content will be delivered by experts and academic professionals from Tel Aviv University specializing in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
Alongside visits to university laboratories, participants will gain valuable exposure to cutting-edge scientific research relevant to their fields of interest, providing them with firsthand insights into advanced academic research and scientific innovation.
- Role Models and Inspiration: We connect students with experts and professionals from academia and industry, introducing them to inspiring role models and successful career paths.
Through these interactions, students gain valuable insights into a wide range of academic and professional opportunities, helping them explore potential career paths and envision their future in science, technology, and related fields.
- Hebrew Language Proficiency: The program is conducted in Hebrew, providing students with valuable opportunities to practice and strengthen their language skills.
This approach helps students develop greater fluency and confidence in communicating in Hebrew, preparing them for future academic and professional environments while enhancing their ability to compete in the Israeli job market alongside native Hebrew speakers.
- Soft Skills Development: The program is designed to equip participants with essential 21st-century skills, including public speaking, self-confidence, teamwork, complex problem-solving, and effective communication.
By developing these valuable personal and interpersonal skills, the program prepares students to successfully navigate academic challenges, collaborate effectively with others, and thrive in their future academic and professional careers.
- Networking and Professional Connections: The integration of the program’s various activities enables participants to build strong social and professional networks that can provide valuable support throughout their academic and career journeys.
These connections can enhance students’ opportunities for admission to leading universities and help them pursue high-quality employment opportunities, including senior positions in the high-tech industry. - Social and Educational Activities: In addition to academic studies, the program offers a variety of social activities designed to strengthen relationships among participants, foster teamwork, and encourage a sense of community.
The program also includes educational enrichment activities, such as visits to high-tech companies and research institutes, providing students with firsthand exposure to the worlds of technology, innovation, and scientific research.
Furthermore, a two-day summer seminar will be held, combining educational experiences with engaging social activities to enhance students’ personal and academic developmen
Audience:
Gifted and outstanding students from the Arab community who demonstrate a strong interest in mathematics and the exact sciences.
The selection process begins during the first half of 9th grade. The program is designed for students who demonstrate the interest and ability to study mathematics at the advanced five-unit level and intend to choose physics as one of their high school subjects.
Time:
The program runs for three and a half years, continuing through the end of 12th grade.
The program follows the university’s academic calendar, with each academic year beginning in the first semester (Semester A) and concluding at the end of the second semester (Semester B).
The preparatory and selection phase begins at the start of Semester B.
Classes are held every Tuesday afternoon for four hours, with additional sessions taking place on Fridays once a month.
Place:
Classes are held at the Check Point Building on the Tel Aviv University campus.
Tuition: Covered by Scholarship
The tuition fee is NIS 800 per academic semester, with two semesters in each academic year.
How:
Eligible students will undergo a selection process.
The selection exams will be held at Tel Aviv University. To apply, click the registration button below.
Steering Committee Members – “First Steps in Science” Program
Chair of the Steering Committee – Prof. Youssef Masharawi, Dean of Undergraduate Studies, Tel Aviv University.
Committee Member – Professor Abdul Salam Azam, Dean of the Life Sciences Faculty, Tel Aviv University.
Committee Member – Professor Raja Jeries, Dean of the Electrical Engineering Faculty, Tel Aviv University.
Committee Member – Dorit Sussman, Manager, Tel Aviv Youth University, Davidson Institute.
Committee Member, Dr. Asher Ragen, Program Director, Academic Excellence, Yad Hanadiv Foundation.
Committee Member, Dr. Talya Steiner, Senior Project Manager, Yad Hanadiv Foundation.
Committee Member, Lauren Fogel, Manager, Klarman Foundation.
