Vision
“Access for All” promotes a more equal society by connecting Ben-Gurion University with marginalized communities in the Negev region. Participants in the “Access for All” program include low-income individuals, immigrants, people with disabilities, and residents of peripheral regions in the southern region. The program provides practical knowledge in an academic environment, fosters curiosity, restores the joy of learning, and encourages ongoing growth. It creates dialogue between diverse populations, empowering participants and reducing social alienation.
Activity
The program offers courses in medicine, business administration, and psychology. Classes are taught weekly by trained university students, under academic supervision, in a format adapted to the needs of adult learners. Participants learn from university students, are exposed to lecturers in the field, and visit campus sites relevant to their area of study, such as laboratories, innovation centers, and more. At the end of the program, they present the final project they worked on and participate in a festive ceremony with their families.
The program serves approximately 250 participants annually. It fosters personal development, improves life skills, and inspires continued education. The reciprocal nature of the program also deeply impacts on the student instructors, who gain meaningful experience in social engagement and teaching. By creating spaces for encounter between different segments of Israeli society, the program contributes to reducing social gaps, promoting mutual understanding, and building a more cohesive and inclusive society.