BGU | Fundraising Handbook

demands on the country’s budget, especially in times of war, these needs often go unmet. While strengthening Beer-Sheva and the Negev, BGU’s efforts to address these societal needs and uplift the region also enable the University to fulfill its responsibility to educate its students. BGU is building Israel’s leaders of tomorrow. To do this, BGU provides a well-rounded education that exceeds the traditional boundaries of higher education, taking the view that to educate someone is to expand their world. This may encompass expanding students’ awareness of the world around them, increasing their social awareness and sensitivity to the circumstances and needs of others, particularly those from different backgrounds; it also may encompass increasing students’ understanding of their role in society, the laws of society, and the country’s social, political, and economic agenda. In addition to educating students and thereby expanding their worlds, the responsibilities of higher education include encouraging students to become active and involved citizens. BGU takes this a step further, providing opportunities for leadership development and civic engagement, and enabling its students to become active and involved citizens by participating in social action programs run by the University. BGU’s Commitment to Community Uplift and Social Action BGU is deeply committed to uplifting the community of which it is a part and to fostering social action among members of its community, particularly, its students. BGU takes its mandate to advance the overall development of Israel’s Southern region seriously, fulfilling the special responsibilities associated with this, over and above the typical responsibilities of any institution of higher learning. This is reflected in many ways. For example, over a third of BGU students are involved in community action projects, volunteering with the elderly, Holocaust survivors, new immigrants, and children, and fueling the efforts of diverse community organizations. The University has an entire building and department dedicated to community action – the Deichmann Building for Community Action and the Community Action Department. The department runs a wide range of unique programs that enrich the community and participating students. The department’s many programs offer students a chance to develop leadership skills, opportunities for civic engagement, and experiences that broaden their social awareness and sensitivity.

BGU’s community outreach to Negev youth takes place at the Jusidman Science Center for Youth, committed to educating Israel’s future leaders. Located in a dedicated building on campus, fully equipped with state-of-the-art teaching labs and educational facilities, the Jusidman Center is home to innovative enrichment programs for 7th-12th graders that engage youth intellectually and support academic achievement by building skills and developing curiosity and creativity. Participation in such programs closes the STEM achievement gap and opens doors to new possibilities. Many of the youth participating in the Jusidman Center’s programs will go on to study at BGU, dedicating themselves to their studies and in many cases, to community action as well. Community Action Department Programs The Community Action Department has a host of outstanding programs that bring BGU students to the community and bring community members to the University. In both cases, our students share their enthusiasm, energy, interests and expertise, warmth, and compassion with individuals from weakened segments of Israel’s population who need assistance and benefit greatly from this outreach and connection. Two of these programs are described below. Leadership Development Programs The Keren Moshe Leadership Training Program and the Telem Leadership Program aim to foster leadership skills and social awareness among students, enabling their growth and development as future leaders of Israel. The programs enhance students’ civic engagement by enabling them to contribute to the Negev community. Students receive scholarships that allow them to dedicate their time to community service. Each year, 130 students participate in Keren Moshe program, while nearly 100 students participated in the Telem program last year. Each program consists of a theoretical/ educational component and a community service component. The educational component includes seminars featuring guest speakers who address issues related to Israeli society. The lecturers are from the world of academia, the government, NGOs, and the community, and they all share their expertise and experience with the students. The programs greatly enrich the students’ educational experience, and the community service component provides an opportunity for hands-on community involvement. At the outset, students choose an organization to become involved with, and they provide several hours of community service each week

32

STUDENT ACCESS AND SUPPORT

COMMUNITY UPLIFT AND SOCIAL ACTION