Since very few Bedouin students are accepted into the Faculties of Engineering Sciences and the Faculty of Natural Sciences at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, a special one-year program has been operated by the Center of Bedouin Studies and Development, in cooperation with the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung. Most Bedouin high school graduates are not adequately prepared to meet university enrollment requirements, particularly due to the limitations of their educational system. Of those accepted, many drop out because of gaps in knowledge, difficulties in language, and problems of cultural acclimatization to a university milieu and method of instruction. They thus miss the opportunity for well-paying and prestigious employment.

The “Year of Excellence in the Engineering Sciences and in the Natural Sciences Program” was instituted to increase the number of Bedouin studying in these faculties at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. Although there is high potential for employment in the high-tech and chemical industries in the area, many Bedouin high schools do not teach the science and math subjects at the appropriate level for acceptance into these faculties.

In addition to addressing the “knowledge gaps”, the pre-academic program also gives the students a chance to acclimatize to the university milieu. Participants gain experience in traveling to the university in Beer-Sheva, as well as being immersed in the Hebrew language during class. They are also encouraged to ask the lecturers questions.

It is important to note that the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering Sciences and the Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences have agreed to accept students receiving high grades in this program, rather than relying upon the usual criteria.

The program is divided into “Stage 1”, a 2-month screening program in the summer and “Stage 2,” which operates during the academic year. The Bedouin Center designs the curriculum and hires the lecturers. Graduates of the program are provided with tutoring in small groups by the Bedouin Center for any subject they request. The tutoring program is also in cooperation with the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung.

Graduation from BGU will be an indication of the success of the program. But even if participants choose to study engineering or science in another institution of higher education, the purpose and goals of the program is realized: to prepare Bedouin scientists and engineers..

The one year program – with full scholarships to all participants - was offered during three academic years (2005-06, 2006-07, 2007-08) as a pilot program. Now that the third year has finished, the pilot program has concluded and the following preliminary evaluation has been given by lecturers:

This was a special program for the Bedouin, rather than a regular pre-academic (“mechina”) program for all students. The program was designed in stages, with a screening stage to ensure that only the best students would be accepted into the course. A variety of science subjects were taught: physics, math, chemistry, and computers.

The program has increased the number of Bedouin studying in the Faculty of Engineering Sciences and the Faculty of Natural Sciences. Although the number of program graduates has been small (10-12 each year), they would not have been accepted without participation in this program. This is a dramatic increase, since the number of Bedouin studying in these departments was virtually zero before the program’s inception.

The program has also given participants the opportunity to continue in higher education and has widened their horizons, making them aware of various academic professions. It also affords an impetus for life change; participants learn that academic studies and investment in learning is the way to advance oneself.

All involved with the program believed that it served the Bedouin community well, because it afforded a serious opportunity for high school graduates to advance to higher education in technology and the sciences. The high school graduates enter the program without knowledge of the required material and without a clue about what the university will require of them. These students have a chance to succeed, due to the tools afforded them by the program.

Very few Bedouin who finish high school continue their studies in the Faculty of Engineering Sciences and the Faculty of Natural Sciences. The program’s success is evidenced by the number of Bedouin students studying in departments and units in these faculties. Successful completion of studies will enable the Bedouin students to find well-paying employment, and hence improve their economic and social status.

The participants were made aware of the advantages of education and learned many new things, which will accompany them through life.

Those who do graduate will be role models for others in their community. This program could also serve as a model to increase the number of students from other special populations in these faculties.