BGU | Fundraising Handbook

Enlisting Support to Fuel Community Uplift Social Action Many of BGU’s outstanding community outreach programs are made possible with the support of donors. BGU’s efforts to expand its community outreach and its ability to run existing programs also rely on philanthropic support. In supporting these programs, donors strengthen the communities and people of Beer-Sheva and the Negev, assisting, enriching, and empowering them. Donors also contribute to BGU students’ personal and professional development, building their leadership skills and social awareness and sensitivity. Support of these programs also promotes social mobility and forges connections among individuals in different segments of Israel’s population, promoting ties that strengthen the fabric of Israeli society. Reporting Reporting varies depending on the program supported. An annual report on activities and programs receiving donor support will be provided for the funding period. In terms of named entities, a report upon completion of the project or a video- or photo-based report will be provided. Dedication Ceremony Gifts to support significant named entities will be recognized at a dedication ceremony held in the presence of the donor and senior administration.

Bridge to Academia Program Like all programs offered by the Jusidman Science Center for Youth, the Bridge to Academia program strives to create a brighter future for Negev youth by leveraging STEM as a pathway to higher education and a vehicle for excellence and social mobility. Bridge to Academia is a unique program for outstanding and highly motivated 10th-12th graders from the Negev Bedouin community. Aligned with its overarching goal of increasing the number of underrepresented and first-generation youth in higher education, the program’s main objectives are to (1) expose these extremely capable high schoolers to academia and place higher education on their radar; (2) address the unique challenges Bedouin students face in academia; and (3) tackle existing gaps and obstacles to academic achievement, by strengthening participants’ STEM and Hebrew skills and equipping them with the skillset, mindset, and tools needed to succeed today. Promising candidates are recommended for the Bridge to Academia program by their high schools and are selected based on their entrance exam scores, with an emphasis on mathematics and Hebrew. The program includes an introductory preparatory program in the summer before 10th grade and continues through 12th grade in five-hour weekly sessions during the school year. The curriculum consists of three main components. The academic component enhances participants’ math, science, Hebrew, and English skills; the experiential and skills component provides participants with an opportunity to gain scientific laboratory research experience and 21st century skills and tools; and the social empowerment component cultivates life skills and abilities that will benefit students in academia and beyond (for example, in the first year this component focuses on strengthening participants’ teambuilding skills, as well as their interpersonal communication skills in Hebrew). The modular schedule, which changes over the course of the year, keeps things fresh and interesting yet consistent, with blocks of time designated for mathematics, science, Hebrew, and English, creating podcasts, skill building and empowerment, mentoring and leadership development, and occasional field trips.

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STUDENT ACCESS AND SUPPORT

COMMUNITY UPLIFT AND SOCIAL ACTION