Students taking an exam in network management as part of the Excellence in Technology program in Migdal Haemek

With a great sigh of relief and a large grin of satisfaction on his face, Roey proclaimed, "I'm done!" upon finishing his semester exam in network management. He's in 11th grade and on his way achieving network certification as a Cisco Certified Networking Associate. High school students such as Roey who possess a high level of motivation, computer skills, and are proficient in English and Math have the opportunity to realize their dreams, thanks to the help of Partnership 2000.

The unique and innovative "Excellence in Technology" program is one component of a wider Partnership 2000 Central Galilee-Michigan sponsored educational program called "Excellence and Leadership in Music, Technology and Sports." It is designed to provide students with professional courses in computers, software design, website construction, business initiative, creative thinking, and website administration. The three-year program consists of 250 hours of rigorous instruction from experts in the field both from Cisco and local area industries. At the end of the year students pass a certification exam that qualifies them to go straight to work in the Hi-Tech field and possible advance placement in the army. "The course is very intense, but I really love this work. Technology is our future." Roey noted with a smile. Roey was raised having great access to computers; both his parents work in the telecommunications field. Most of the students have a prior background in computers and the Excellence in Technology program offers an opportunity to develop skills in C++, Access, and the curriculum of Cisco that they wouldn't otherwise have access to. A second aspect of the program is leadership development. The students navigate group dynamics while problem solving together. The students come from Migdal Haemek, Nazareth Ilit, and the Jezreal Valley.

Partnership 2000 has been successful in developing a close and cooperative relationship with local industries. It is also working hard to involve the greater community in granting students better access to local jobs, higher education, and retaining their talents in the region. A similar program with Cisco, Keren Hayesod/UIA, the Tapuach Foundation and the Jewish Agency has been adapted in eight other regions, with an enrollment to 400 high school students.

*Students names have been changed to protect their identity.

Iyar 5764 - April 2004