The Net@ program for the 2008-9 school year is approaching its final stages, the selection of participants for the class of 2009-10 has begun in June.

This year we established a special thinking crew that was comprised of instructors and directors in the program. The crew’s aim was to brainstorm and come up with the most effective way to hold the selection process. After this process, the new selection program was planned, and it was presented for the first time at the regional instructor seminars. The instructors took part in simulations of the selection process, including participation in the various workshops in order to fully experience the way in which the applicants will be elected. The selection process is being held in Dimona, Ashqelon, Beer Sheva, and Ramla in southern Israel, and in Acre, Kiryat Shmona, Beit She’an, Nazareth and Nazareth Illit in northern Israel. In most of these towns the process has already begun, and so far over 600 candidates have registered. "We expect at least 1000 applicants throughout Israel" says Moran Fanian, who is in charge of the selection process this year.

The first stage of the selection process is the exposure of the project in schools. This is done by the instructor staff of and graduates of the program’s 4th year, who are taking part in the entire process, including the group workshops and personal interviews. Following this initial stage, the process consists of three main stages. The first stage is an English exam. This year the exam was designed in a way that enables to determine the applicant's strengths and weaknesses in English. The second stage is the evaluation center, which is then followed by the final stage of personal interviews.

At the end of the process, 22 students who will comprise a class in the Net@ program will be selected in each town, and together, they will comprise the Net@ team for 2009-10. During the summer, the English camp will be held, with the objective of bringing all the participants to the required level of technological English, and integrate the groups socially.

"I am confident that the new selection process will enable us to recruit appropriate candidates for the Net@ program, and on this occasion I would like to thank the team leaders and instructors who are taking part in this process" adds Moran. We wish everyone the best of luck!