Closing the Gender Gap in Engineering

Despite immense progress, women remain underrepresented in many STEM fields. This gender gap is especially pronounced in engineering. At Afeka, we recognize the need to close this divide. We believe empowering and supporting women pursuing technology careers benefits not only the individual female students, but promotes diversity in innovation, which in turn positively impacts economic growth and society as a whole.

To encourage more women to realize their potential in engineering careers, Afeka actively cultivates diversity through targeted initiatives that provide guidance and funding, such as mentoring programs, internships and scholarships.

  • Mentoring Programs

  • Internship Collaborations

  • Dedicated Scholarships

Just a few examples of empowerment initiatives

As part of our commitment to empowering women in engineering and science and fostering a diverse community of future leaders Afeka has partnered with ProWomen, an organization dedicated to advancing women's professional growth.

Through a series of thought-provoking talks and hands-on workshops, professional development resources, ProWomen connects hundreds of select Afeka students annually with accomplished female leaders from various industries. These mentors share their invaluable experiences, insights, and strategies for success, motivating our students to aim high and pursue their dreams with confidence.

At Afeka, we firmly believe that empowering women in STEM is not only a matter of equity but also a catalyst for innovation and progress. By partnering with ProWomen, we are taking concrete steps to bridge the gender gap, unleash the untapped potential of our female students, and contribute to a more inclusive and prosperous future for all.

Sponsored by Afeka Afeka Board of Trustees member Ziva Patir in honor of her later husband Avi Patir, the WeWomen mentoring program exemplifies the mission of empowering females in STEM.

Through a multigenerational chain connects female high school students majoring in STEM who are mentored by female Afeka engineering students, who are in turn mentored by junior alumni, who are in turn mentored by experience alumni, who are mentored by to senior industry women - creating a ripple effect.

This unique initiative provides knowledge, tools, and personal encouragement, where each generation inspires the next, creating  creates a supportive community for participants to grow and gain confidence.

The program also demonstrates the core importance of a national STEM educational continuum that benefits all of society.

A collaboration with Ormat Technologies provides a full tuition scholarships female students in mechanical or electrical engineering who intern with the company during their 3rd academic year.

These disciplines see particular underrepresentation of women, thus by encouraging and enabling women in these fields, the Ormat scholarship is particularly motivating and impactful. This opportunity offers invaluable real-world experience, financial support, and industry exposure to talented young female engineering students.

For several years, Afeka College collaborated with Alliance Israélite Universelle (AIU) on their impactful program aimed at advancing female junior high school students from the periphery in STEM fields, "Cracking the Glass Ceiling".

Afeka adopted the program and hosted the 8th grade girls participating twice a year on the Afeka campus, where they took part in hands-on engineering workshops Led by Afeka female students and faculty, who served as inspiring role models. 

The girls also received tutoring with the school work from Afeka students.

The activities provided a supportive environment for the girls to gain the confidence they needed to matriculate in a STEM field and to imagine future careers as engineers.

Strategic Priorities Met

  • Reducing the Shortage of Engineers in Israel

    Supporting women pursuing engineering directly counters recruitment gaps in these crucial fields.

    Supporting women pursuing engineering directly counters recruitment g…

  • Commitment to Inclusion in Quality STEM Education

    Women are an integral yet underrepresented part of society. By emphasizing female empowerment through diverse initiatives spanning the center and periphery, we ensure all societal groups receive deserved opportunities.

    Women are an integral yet underrepresented part of society. By emphasi…

Our Partners

Help Unlock Futures in STEM

Over the years Afeka has aligned with partners and contributors who share our vision in advancing STEM education and inclusion

We have received deeply appreciated generous donations that have funded student scholarships and non-reusable kits, and subsidized school visits with tremendous impact.

If you are interested in partnering with us or contributing to this or any other Afeka initiative and would like additional information, please fill…

Help Unlock Futures in STEM

Over the years Afeka has aligned with partners and contributors who share our vision in advancing STEM education and inclusion

We have received deeply appreciated generous donations that have funded student scholarships and non-reusable kits, and subsidized school visits with tremendous impact.

If you are interested in partnering with us or contributing to this or any other Afeka initiative and would like additional information, please fill in the form and we will get back to you.

Direct donations (non 501c) can be made to Afeka via bank transfer:

First International Bank of Israel
Eliyahu Beit Tsuri St. 15, Tel Aviv, Israel
409-246433
IBAN: IL560310820000000246433
SWIFT: FIRBILITXXX

US tax deductible contributions can be made via PEF Israel Endowment Funds.
For non-credit card tax-deductible donation options click here