ORT America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational organization that raises funds for ORT initiatives around the world through planned giving programs and generous gifts from ORT donors.

ORT America75 Maiden Lane, 10th floorNew York, NY 10038-4607212/505.7700 800/519.2678

ORTamerica.org info@ORTamerica.orgfacebook.com/ORTamerica twitter.com/ORTamerica

Teacher TrainingKadima Mada fosters pedagogical innovation through the training of teachers, with an emphasis on the long-term educational landscape and addressing national challenges. Within this framework, educators sharpen their skills in development, implementation and evaluation. Funds are needed for each track of this program to ensure educators can excel in their fields.

Your Gift Makes a Positive Difference in IsraelYour gift makes educational opportunities more accessible for children and adults. It provides the foundation for successful career advancement in an increasingly higher-tech society, and strengthens the fabric of communities and the State of Israel.

Funds are sought for renovating classrooms and science labs, educational and structural infrastructure improvements, new study tracks, educator enhancements, student scholarships, exchanges and competitions, and pedagogical research and development.

Major gifts of $5,000 or more can be earmarked for a specific program or purpose within the priority funding projects of World ORT Kadima Mada.

“In technology studies, it’s very important to be at the cutting edge. Thanks to Kadima Mada we have new devices, and we don’t have to wait to do an experiment. Every time you come to the college there’s something new!”

Tal Rotem, a third-year chemistry student in Beersheva Technological College

Transforming the Periphery: Kadima Mada

Benefits Children and Young Adults in Israel

World ORT Kadima Mada

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ORT America supports World ORT Kadima Mada (Science Journey) in Israel, whose innovative educational framework enables thousands of children and young adults to develop skills for careers in an increasingly higher-tech society.With optimal teaching environments and quality instruction, Kadima Mada spans the socio-economic divide, and graduates of its programs embark on paths to success. Thanks to the generosity of donors, Kadima Mada shapes the world for a better future, facilitated by ORT America fundraising efforts. Giving Kids a Boost Fortifies IsraelKadima Mada focuses on STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) instruction paired with humanistic values, developing the critical thinking and problem-solving skills of students, and enhancing the knowledge of teachers of these subjects. Kadima Mada is affiliated with 200 schools that serve many disadvantaged citizens, particularly those living in under-resourced peripheral areas of the country.

Kadima Mada Funding Priorities The Kadima Mada Educational NetworkKadima Mada makes a significant impact in schools in Kfar Hassidim and Hodayot youth villages, in Yeshiva Abir Yaakov, and in the Levinson and Rabin schools in Kiryat Yam. Many students in these facilities come from families where abuse, neglect and dysfunction are prevalent, and many are immigrants who have struggled academically in the conventional system. The Kadima Mada management of these schools enriches the learning experience of these students, helping them improve their academic achievement and reach their full potential.

These facilities receive limited government funding. As a result of contributions, Kadima Mada can provide motivational teaching methods and inspiring environments, but more funds are needed to bring these schools up to 21st century standards. Renovating classrooms and science labs, supplementing STEM teaching and providing state-of-the-art equipment and materials are necessities.

In Afula, attending school had little appeal for Menachem, a student in Kfar Hassidim.

“My math is very good now, because my teacher is very good for me. I’m really happy here. This place has changed my life.”

Vocational Training in the Technological Colleges NetworkVocational training for young adults at three technological colleges in Israel is another focus of Kadima Mada. In addition to offering a variety of practical engineering study tracks, architecture and computer science, a new study track at colleges in Beersheva, Tel Hai and Shlomi is the natural gas certification program, in which students can obtain skills for careers in Israel’s nascent natural gas industry. Funds are needed for new study tracks to meet industry needs, for educational and structural infrastructure improvements, for scholarships and equipment, and for strengthening academic staff.

YOUniversity After-School InitiativeThis structured after-school program for 10-15 year-olds offers a selection of courses in science, technology, engineering, math and other subjects, with robotics a favorite of many participants. Collaborative instruction with industry experts, an emphasis on values, interesting projects and experiments, competitions and reasonable rates make YOUniversity a popular and fun educational opportunity for students of all ages who appreciate its wide possibilities for involvement, learning and leadership.

Funds are needed for new study tracks, equipment, supplies, competitions and fairs.

“I got into the field by chance. I saw the potential in the path: An evolving profession with a relatively short course of study - and it‘s close to home.”

Anna Peretz, a student in the natural gas certification program in Beersheva Technological College

“Kids here come from deprived backgrounds — from the most violent neighborhood or from dysfunctional families. I believe they would really benefit from high technology and advanced equipment incorporated into their lessons. We need to help those who need it most.” Hagit Beinish, a teacher in Kfar Hassidim

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