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Bet Shemesh Educational center

David Portowicz addressing graduates of Bet Shemesh

The Bet Shemesh Educational Center (BSEC) provides comprehensive educational, therapeutic, and nutritional support to more than 270 disadvantaged boys, ages 14-18, who come to our residential campus from impoverished communities throughout Israel. To address the diverse students’ various and complex needs, the BSEC’s staff of teachers, counselors, social workers, and therapists provide individualized support within a nurturing environment. This environment allows the boys to heal from their past traumas and bridge their academic gaps.

With the goal of preparing the students for adulthood, the well-rounded curriculum includes a blend of Jewish and secular studies (e.g., English, Hebrew literature, science, mathematics, etc.), elective courses, and extracurricular activities, as well as targeted integration programs to address each individual’s personal situation.

Boy praying with Tallit and Tfillin
Teenage boy working on laptop in Bet Shemesh Educational center classroom

80% of Graduates from the BSEC receive Matriculation Certificates

David Portowicz and student

90% of Graduates serve in the Israeli Defense Force (IDF)

auto-tech

The BSEC compliments its educational enrichment programming with ample opportunities for the children to find their own particular area of success, be it in acting classes, vocational courses like carpentry and robotics, volunteering or organizing student activities. The boys have thrived in these non-academic programs, and often begin investing more in their academic studies as a result.

The BSEC is excited to supplement its course offerings with a new, state of the art AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY (AUTOTECH) PROGRAM. Custom designed automotive garages and classrooms will be equipped with the latest diagnostic and programming tools to allow for both the development and repair of computerized auto components utilized in autonomous and alternative fuel supplied vehicles.

Auto tech room with mechanics equipment cabinets, tools, tire rotator

To support THE BET SHEMESH EDUCATIONAL CENTER 

Three teenage boys with backpacks walking up steps to one of the buildings on the Bet Shemesh Educational Center campus

"BEING FROM AN Ethiopian ISRAELI immigrant FAMILY, i never thought i would BECOME AN ELECTRICAL ENGINEER, LET ALONE SERVE IN THE ISRAELI ARMY. BET SHEMESH HELPED ME GET THESE OPPORTUNITIES." 

-BET SHEMESH Graduate

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