The Excellence in Science Program was established to address the low number of young Arab- Bedouins in the Negev who are accepted into higher education institutions, particularly in science and technology fields. This is a four-year program, spanning 9th to 12th grade, during which students acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to secure their place in prestigious university faculties. At the heart of the program is the preparation for a high-quality scientific matriculation certificate, which serves as an “entry ticket” to academic studies. The program is structured holistically, with great attention to various aspects of learning and the barriers students face. On the one hand, the program focuses on meaningful learning of content and skills in mathematics, physics, or chemistry. On the other hand, it provides a holistic and significant approach to addressing the overall challenges that hinder students from the Arab-Bedouin. The program is being implemented in partnership with the Western and Eastern Negev Clusters and with the support and supervision of the Ministry of Education and Science.
For Students
For the Teachers:
29% of Tamar Center students have achieved TECH matriculation (5 units of mathematics & 5 units of physics/computer science)
72% achieved excellent matriculation certificates
Physics is a fundamental and essential scientific discipline that serves as a prerequisite for engineering fields in academia. However, in most schools within the Arab-Bedouin society, physics programs do not exist due to a shortage of teachers, a low number of students, and the high costs of establishing and maintaining a school-based physics laboratory.
The regional major was established with the aim of enabling interested students,
72% of Bedouin schools do not study physics at all.
For Students
The program includes:
Computer science is a central field with significant implications for many other disciplines. Today, familiarity with the world of programming is considered a fundamental “language” necessary for navigating the modern world.
The representation of Arab society in academia within STEM fields—and consequently in the high-tech workforce—is low. Only about 3% of Arab society works in high-tech, compared to 10% in the general population. The situation is even more concerning within the Arab -Bedouin society in the south. Estimates suggest that only around 60 individuals from this community work in high-tech, accounting for less than 1%.
To create real change, we at the Tamar Center believe that fostering computer literacy from a young age is essential. This should be accompanied by the development of knowledge, skills, and beliefs necessary to understand the world of computers and software while building a sense of capability and confidence to thrive in it.
The Regional Computer Science Matriculation Program is designed for middle and high school students in grades 9-12 who do not have a similar program available at their school.
The program includes an introductory year in 9th grade, followed by studies leading to a 5- unit matriculation in 10th to 12th grade.
76% of Bedouin schools do not teach computer science.
Methods of Action
Program Structure
One of the significant challenges faced by graduates of the education system in the Arab-Bedouin society in the Negev on their path to integration in academic studies, particularly in STEM fields, is the gap in acquiring scientific research skills. Within the excellence programs of the Tamar Center emphasis is placed on developing essential research skills, including defining research questions, planning and conducting experiments, data analysis, and scientific communication. Writing Advanced Research Projects constitutes a central component in this process, as it allows for deep experience in research work under the guidance of academic professionals, thereby strengthening critical thinking skills and preparation for integration into higher education institutions and research and development fields.
השפה העברית היא כלי הכרחי לתפקוד במרחב האקדמי והתעסוקתי. שליטה בשפה העברית, יכולות שיח ותקשורת, בטחון עצמי, אוצר מילים והכרות עם מבני שיח, מהווים חסם משמעותי בפני צעירי ווצעירות החברה הבדואית בנגב.
התכנית הוקמה בכדי לאפשר למשתתפי תכניות תמר מסגרת מותאמת אישית ללימוד עברית כשפה דבורה.
