Have you graduated from preparatory school or passed matriculation exams with honors and are ready for a bachelor’s degree?
Congratulations!
Ascent to Excellence is your next step in journey of excellence.
The foundation grants three-year scholarships to outstanding students who are former members of the ultra-Orthodox community and who are at the beginning of their academic journey and need a financial and other support. The foundation was established and is managed by Prof. Gabi Barbash and Judi Shalev.
The scholarship is intended for candidates who meet all of the following criteria:
Former members of the ultra-Orthodox community who were educated in ultra-Orthodox institutions until at least the age of 15.
Students who are starting their first year of undergraduate studies in the upcoming academic year, at one of the universities and fields of study listed below.
Exceptions: Medical students enrolled in a four or six-year program may be admitted even if they are at the beginning of their second year. Students starting their first year in a four-year
Holders of a matriculation certificate or a university academic preparatory program with high achievement (grades of above 90 in five units of math and English).
Commitment to participate in meetings.
Admission to the program is conditional on a personal interview by the scholarship committee and its decision.
Students beginning their first year in the four-year medical program are eligible to apply for the scholarship.
A thorough, independent, and comprehensive effort to secure all available scholarships is a fundamental condition for receiving a scholarship from Ascent to Excellence. Applicants may seek guidance from the program director for this purpose.
The Ascent to Excellence Foundation recognizes the intensity of undergraduate studies and strives to allow scholarship recipients to fully focus on their studies and career development.
Therefore, there is no requirement for volunteer hours and the only obligation is investment in studies and regular participation in enrichment meetings and foundation events.
More than a scholarship. A program that nurtures perseverance and success
Ascent to Excellence provides recipients with the financial and social support structure throughout their undergraduate years.
This support package is designed to allow recipients to fully focus on their studies, cope with academic challenges, and plan their future professional paths.
As part of the program, and in collaboration with the Yotzim Leshinuy organization, students receive personal and academic mentoring, assistance in securing additional scholarships, career guidance, and preparation for the job market.
In addition, social workshops are held as part of a supportive community of students and alumni.
The combination of financial support and social guidance creates the conditions that enable persistence, excellence, and the development of a stable professional future.
The Context in Which We Operate
Men and women who have left the fold of ultra-Orthodox community often face significant challenges in navigating their academic and career paths. In addition to educational gaps resulting from the lack of core studies, many also are forced to break from family and community support systems, and face financial insecurity and loneliness during a critical period in which they are shaping their identity and future. The combination of these difficulties creates a significant barrier to success for young men and women, despite their abilities and motivation.
Participation in the Yotzim Lemetzuyanut program enables students not only to receive a scholarship, but to build a clear and stable path forward: one defined by academic persistence, strengthened self-efficacy and confidence, and thoughtful preparation for meaningful and successful integration into the workforce
To apply, please submit the following documents: ID card, certificate of studies in an ultra-Orthodox institution up to the age of 15 (in case of a difficulty obtaining the documents, you may contact us, and we will be happy to help – Contact us), a certificate of completion of studies from a preparatory school (Mechina Program) and grades.
A one-page letter detailing your personal, family, and educational background, and detailing the reason for choosing the subject of study and your motivation and aspirations for the future.
At the end of the application process, we will contact you by phone and discuss the use of the scholarships.
We will schedule an interview with you with the foundation’s scholarship committee in August or September.
If you qualify for acceptance, you will be notified in December and the scholarship will be transferred in two installments, in January and May.
Registration for the 2025–2026 academic year has closed.
Registration for the 2026–2027 academic year will open in September 2026
For any other questions, please contact us, and we will be happy to respond and assist.
Outstanding students who are former members of the ultra-Orthodox community who were educated in ultra-Orthodox institutions until the age of 15 and are planning on beginning undergraduate studies at a recognized academic institution in Israel.
The scholarship is intended for students at the beginning of the first year of their undergraduate degree.
Exception: Medical students in the fourth or six-year program can also apply at the beginning of their second year.
The scholarship is intended for fields of study determined by the foundation, with an emphasis on demanding academic tracks with a career outlook.
Yes. Independent, serious, and comprehensive use of other scholarships is a fundamental condition for receiving our scholarship.
You can seek the guidance and support from the program director.
No. The scholarship is awarded after exhausting other scholarships.
The scholarship is granted for three years of study, subject to meeting the program requirements.
No.
However, participation in foundation meetings and enrichment events is mandatory.
Personal and academic guidance and mentoring social support and enrichment activities.
We do not limit combining work with studies but each case will be evaluated on its own merits to
ensure that the recipient is able to maintain academic excellence.
After submitting the application, students will receive a call from the foundation, followed by an interview with the foundation’s scholarship committee.
Answers are given in October, and the scholarship is transferred in January and May.
Yes, provided that a university academic preparatory course (Mechina program) has been completed with a five units equivalent grade of 90 or above in English and math.
Commitment to studies, participation in the foundation meetings, and responsible conduct as part of a community of excellence.
For any other questions, please contact us, and we will be happy to respond and assist.
For any other questions, please contact us, and we will be happy to respond and assist.
