Israel has announced enrollment for programs for gifted children. The project has been running for several years and is an initiative of the Ministry of Education and the Future Scientists Center, aimed at providing talented schoolchildren with the opportunity to reveal their scientific and inventive potential.

Students from 7th to 9th grade across the country can apply to participate in the project. However, to be admitted to the project, one must pass a competitive selection process. This year, registration for the entrance exams ends on January 21st.

The “Alpha” program aims to enrich scientific knowledge, introduce high-level scientific research, and acquire the necessary skills for independent work in the scientific field and teamwork. Throughout the project, students write scientific papers that can replace exams for the matriculation certificate (bagrut).

The program begins at the start of the next academic year (2024-2025) at 7 universities across the country: Ariel University in Samaria (for girls only), Tel Aviv University, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Technion in Haifa, Weizmann Institute in Rehovot, Ben-Gurion University in Be’er Sheva, and Bar-Ilan University.

Any 9th-grade student can register for the entrance exams for the “Alpha” program. The program is fully subsidized and intended for 10th and 11th-grade students.

“Odyssey” is a program for young talents in science and technology. It was created in collaboration with the Department of Cybernetics and the Prime Minister’s Office, with the support of the Rashi Foundation. The program aims to prepare a new generation of scientists and inventors endowed with creative thinking and an extraordinary mindset. The program lasts for 4 years – from 9th to 12th grade. Participants study an academic program in the field of exact sciences, work in research laboratories, and gain experience in solving non-trivial problems. Participation in the program provides academic credits. The program includes Tel Aviv University, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Ben-Gurion University in Be’er Sheva, Technion in Haifa, Bar-Ilan University, and Tel-Hai Academic College.

“Idea” is a special program in the field of humanities, designed for gifted students finishing 9th grade this academic year. Program participants write a research paper that is counted towards the matriculation certificate. The program takes place at Tel Aviv University, the University of Haifa, and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

“Top Girls in the World of Science” (“Metzuyanot le-Mada”). An exclusive program for schoolgirls who wish to expand their knowledge in the field of natural sciences, including mathematics, physics, and cybernetics, with an emphasis on practical training. The course is designed for one year and covers the period from the middle of the seventh grade to the middle of the eighth and will take place at Bar-Ilan University, Tel Aviv University, and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Registration is open exclusively for seventh-grade students.

For more details about the programs, visit the Future Scientists Center website.