In Israel’s southern Negev region, a group of 12th-grade girls are defying cultural, religious and gender norms to start their careers in technology.
For young women, like Nida, a future in tech was only a dream. Then, she found Atid Badmidar’s Springboard to Hi-Tech Program, which exposed her to new opportunities to further her education and career development.
“I took a course that was an introduction to computer science and Python," said Nida, last name withheld for privacy. “I am now studying software engineering at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev."
Supported by the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, Springboard to High-Tech provides 12th-grade girls from Israel’s Bedouin population with educational resources and training to prepare them for a career in the technology sector.
Participants are introduced to the rapidly growing high-tech sector through a variety of engaging activities, such as study tours, presentations and simulated hackathons. A select group also has the opportunity to participate in small-group training, mentorship and hands-on experiences to equip them with marketable skills that open doors for immediate employment or advance academic studies.
But, at its core, the program is a crucial collaboration between the Jewish and Bedouin communities of the Negev in Israel, bringing young women from both groups together to learn, collaborate and empower one another.
“Beyond the professional training and hands-on experience these girls receive, they are immersed in a shared society environment, and yet there is a feeling of harmony and wellbeing,” said Dr. Rachel Knoll, director of the Springboard to High-Tech program. “Something was created that goes beyond sectors and that is very moving to witness.”
According to Israel’s Central Bureau of Statistics, Bedouin communities face disproportionate rates of intergenerational poverty with many women not attending school. Despite these challenges, the Jewish Federation’s support of Atid Bamidbar is making inroads in addressing the socioeconomic factors facing Bedouin women by making education accessible and career advancement obtainable.
"For many years, I have been working with underrepresented populations,” continued Knoll. “The Jewish Federation's support has made it possible for us to better integrate Bedouin women into Israeli society and help them achieve success in the tech industry."
Since its inception in 2022, 838 participants have gained the necessary skills to help shape their futures – of which, over 80% are young Bedouin women.
“Through my classes, I was able to manage and develop a product from scratch, acquiring important skills in product development,” said Miriam Zubai, a graduate of the Springboard to High-Tech program. “At an event, I even had the opportunity to network and meet my current boss.”
Beyond high-tech training, Atid Bamidbar fosters cross-cultural connections through a range of community-based initiatives, including tourism, storytelling, education and cultural events.
From Fiscal Year 2022 to Fiscal Year 2024, the Jewish Federation has granted $105,000 to Atid Bamidbar to ensure that the organization can continue making a lasting impact.
“The Jewish Federation is committed to ensuring that all people – regardless of background – have the opportunity to thrive,” said the Jewish Federation’s Director of Israel and Global Operations Talia Lidar. “We work with our periphery communities, helping them to learn new skills to take back to their community to make it thrive.”
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To help the Jewish Federation continue to support programs that empower women, make a gift at jewishphilly.org/donate.