Many talented young men and women have left the fold of the ultra-Orthodox community in Israel and have chosen to pursue academic studies in Israeli universities as a stepping stone to embarking on careers and integrating into the Israeli economy and society at large.
Ascent to Excellence offers them a helping hand. A not-for-profit foundation, it offers qualified individuals tuition support and stipends as well as mentoring and guidance to help them succeed academically and achieve their dreams.
Many talented young men and women have left the fold of the ultra-Orthodox community in Israel and have chosen to pursue academic studies in Israeli universities as a stepping stone to embarking on careers and integrating into the Israeli economy and society at large.
Ascent to Excellence offers them a helping hand. A not-for-profit foundation, it offers qualified individuals tuition support and stipends as well as mentoring and guidance to help them succeed academically and achieve their dreams.
Students describe the reasons for their decisions to pursue higher education, their transition between the ultra-Orthodox world and broader Israeli society, and their sentiments about paving a new life path.
Former recipients who have attained their undergraduate degrees speak about their experiences in the program, their success in attaining key positions in academia, the public sector, and industry and how they continue to make an impact on society.
Your generosity and heartfelt support empower the next generation of outstanding students who have transitioned from the Haredi community to build a brighter future – for themselves, for their families, and for Israeli society as a whole.
This is what excellence looks like when it gets the support it needs
Each year the most promising and high-achieving candidates are carefully selected for the program.
The foundation has a 0% dropout rate
Scholarships that provide peace of mind, financial security, and the ability to focus on studies.
Graduates of the program attain jobs and play important roles in the Israeli economy and society.
We believe in a future where courageous young adults who have stepped beyond the Haredi world are given a true opportunity to fulfill their academic potential and build lives defined by impact, independence, and purpose.
A holistic mentoring model that allows scholarship recipients to focus on their studies, grow in new directions, and build on their exceptional academic abilities to chart a path forward to a meaningful career.
Financial aid for academic studies
Assistance in paying tuition and living expenses, and guidance about leverage additional scholarships so recipients can devote their full attention to their studies.
Personal mentoring
One-on-one mentoring adapting to life changes, academic studies, and gaining employment.
Financial guidance and resource utilization
Assistance in seeking other sources of scholarship support and effective management of financial resources.
Help getting a job
Assistance preparing for job interviews, networking, and tips for integrating into the labor market.
Enrichment sessions
Group sessions to help develop financial skills, workplace skills, a professional career outlook and career trajectory.
Community
Group sessions on community, values, resilience, and support for others making a similar transition.
Gili
Medical Student,
Ben-Gurion University
“The academic path requires full presence and continuous effort. The support of Ascent to Excellence Foundation gives me stability and confidence and allows me to dedicate myself fully to my studies. It is hard for me to imagine what my life would look like without this support. It changes my reality, not just a phase of my life.”
Meir Halper
Medical Student, Faculty of Medicine, Jerusalem
“Beyond the significant scholarship, Ascent to Excellence Foundation gave me a sense of capability and belonging. Someone who believes in me and says: you can do this, you belong, and we are with you. This support strengthened my decision to continue on an academic path of medicine and research.”
Maor Peretz
Electrical Engineering Student, Tel Aviv University
“Ascent to Excellence Foundation enables me to invest myself fully in my studies and provides me with the tools needed to succeed in the industry.”
Yisrael Amir
Program Graduate, Software Engineer at Optibus
“As a single father, my studies were a real challenge. Ascent to Excellence Foundation gave me peace of mind and genuine backing, which allowed me to persevere, succeed in my engineering studies, and build a future for myself.”
Through meaningful events and scholarship ceremonies, we bring to life the story of Ascent to Excellence and the courageous students whose journeys it supports. Our work is also featured in the media, showcasing the vision, the individuals, and the long-term impact that continues to unfold
Professor of internal medicine and CEO of Psifas (Mosaic), the Israeli National Genomic Medicine Initiative who previously served as Director General of the Ministry of Health and Director of Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv
Entrepreneur, formerly a member of the ultra-Orthodox community, founder of the Ascent to Excellence Foundation, and board member of Ascent to Excellence.
