Where Tech Dreams are Sparked
Meet the next generation of engineers, innovators, and tech trailblazers - right here in the hallways of Afeka’s campus. Our flagship "Experiencing Engineering" program opens doors for teens from around the country to ignite their STEM potential.
Experiencing Engineering
Junior high and high school students spend a day in Afeka’s labs discovering the wonders of technology, science and engineering through hands-on workshops.
-
8
Years of successful operation
-
6,500
Teens have taken part
-
70%
Of participants come for socio-geographic periphery
-
60%
Want to matriculate in STEM (10% decided as a result of the experience)
About Experiencing Engineering
“Experiencing Engineering" is Afeka’s flagship social involvement program and highlights our focus on creating broader social impact and equal opportunity.
By sparking early interest in STEM fields through hands-on learning, the program aims to inspire young minds to envision bright futures as engineers shaping their communities and country. We believe that creating access and inclusion today will drive innovation and progress for all tomorrow.
Over 6500 youth, 70% from Israel’s socio-geographic periphery, have explored the beauty of science and technology through an all-day visit to Afeka’s thriving campus. Throughout the day, they interact with cutting-edge lab equipment, and gain firsthand exposure to intriguing engineering, science and technology careers and concepts while led by Afeka students that are hand-picked by our social involvement unit and receive a full-year tuition scholarship for their dedication and time.
Hands-On Workshops
Looking into the "matter”
Held in our Materials Laboratory, teens perform a variety of experiments with diverse types of matter, learn about their properties and uses and view them under microscopes in Afeka’s Electronic Microscope Lab
The flow of wind and waves
Held in our Flow Laboratory, teens construct a model airplane and then see firsthand the effects of airflow using Afeka’s turbine wind tunnel.
It’s all in the voice
Held in Afeka’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, teens converse with a humanoid robot with advanced motion and speech recognition capabilities and learn about the impact of robotics and artificial intelligence on their current and future lives.
Smart home
Held in the Controllers Lab, teens program a smart tiny-tiny house, learn about the world of controllers and sensors and how to plan and build electrical circuits with Arduino prototyping software.
Strategic Priorities Met
-
Enhancing Engineering Education and the Educational Experience
Afeka student guides gain leadership experience, while honing communication skills and serving as inspiration to participating youth. This not only enriches their academic journey with new perspectives on the field and their own potential, but also helps them recognize that being an excellent engineer extends beyond an excellent education – they have a responsibility to positively impact society and mentor the next generation.
Afeka student guides gain leadership experience, while honing communi…
-
Reducing the Shortage of Engineers in Israel
The hands-on exposure shifts participants' perceptions about STEM studies and engineering careers. Sparking this early curiosity can impact on their personal decision to matriculate in a STEM field and ultimately help develop Israel's innovation workforce.
The hands-on exposure shifts participants' perceptions about STEM stud…
-
Promoting a Holistic View of the National STEM Educational Continuum
Schoolchildren from around the country learn about the fascinating day-to-day work of engineers, technology and science professionals, gaining perspective on how building a strong foundation in STEM subjects now can lead to an interesting and impactful career path in the future.
Schoolchildren from around the country learn about the fascinating day…
-
Commitment to Inclusion in Quality STEM Education
Over 70% of participating teens come from Israel’s socio-geographic peripheries with limited access to academic enrichment. By inspiring youth to unlock their potential, the program fuels equal opportunity in STEM fields that provide socio-economic mobility.
Over 70% of participating teens come from Israel’s socio-geographic pe…
Participating youth and educators share their perspectives
9th grader from Rishon Le-Tsiyon
I had a lot of fun talking to the students during the workshops and I really enjoyed the way with which they gave them to us. I got to talk a lot with the students about the workshop and just for laughs and fun. It was a special experience!
6th grader from Beit She’an
It was fun. There were really cool machines there!
10th grader from Ashdod
It was very interesting to discover new things that can be developed in the world.
Teacher from Yad-Eliyahu, Tel Aviv
It was great that we came with the extremely important goal of making academics accessible to our students. You gave them a positive academic experience that will stay with them for a long time.
Taasiyeda, The educational organization for the promotion of education in a changing technological world
To uncover, experience, make accessible, and evolve- these were the goals that stood before our eyes when we joined Afeka, the Academic College of Engineering, for a taste of the 'Experiencing Engineering' program.
Academic Advisor from Ashdod
The students were exposed to workshops where they could experiment and not just listen to a lecture. The experience was experiential, diverse and enlightening
A teacher from the collaboration with the Taasiyeda Organization
"In a single day, our students grasped half a year's worth of course material."
Wisdom From Our Student Leaders
David Gangur
Electrical Engineering alumnus, and current graduate student in Energy and Power Systems Engineering
David Gangur
Electrical Engineering alumnus, and current graduate student in Energy and Power Systems Engineering
“I will never forget the day we hosted students from the south of Israel. One of them said to me: ‘I bet all of you are really smart’. I smiled and told her that not everyone’s starting point is ‘smart’, that some Afeka students finished high school without matriculation – anything is possible if you have the will. I believe this is one of the most important messages that we can give them – where there is a will, there is a way. Anyone can be whatever they choose to be, and becoming an engineer is no different.”
Tal Weizman
Undergraduate student in Electrical Engineering
Tal Weizman
Undergraduate student in Electrical Engineering
"For me, no one opened the window to the worlds of STEM in the educational system. It's important to me to teach youth what college is, what academic studies involve, to introduce them to scientific professions, and above all, to convey to teenage girls that these professions are not exclusive to males, and that they are meant for them to the same extent."
Doron Levi
Undergraduate student in Industrial Engineering & Management
Doron Levi
Undergraduate student in Industrial Engineering & Management
“I lead a workshop in the ‘Experiencing Engineering’ program –because I believe in the importance of contributing to society with all your heart and soul. When a large group of kids arrives to Afeka, it is impossible to influence all of them, but I often recognize myself in at least one of those kids – someone struggling with learning, or with low confidence in their ability to succeed, this is still one of the most active participants in the workshops. I love being a part of the ‘Experiencing Engineering’ program because of these kids. I have the opportunity to reach out to them just before they miss an opportunity."
Inspiring News
Partners and Contributors
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
Inspiring Young Minds in STEM
Share a link using:
https://www.afeka.ac.il/en/giving/projects/inspiring-young-minds-in-stem/WhatsApp
Facebook
Twitter
Email
https://www.afeka.ac.il/en/giving/projects/inspiring-young-minds-in-stem/