Siraj Bedouin Program

Empowering Bedouin youth and graduates with the skills, experience, and opportunities to build successful careers in Israel’s high-tech industry.

The Challenge

Bedouin students and graduates remain significantly underrepresented in Israel’s high-tech sector, often facing limited exposure, professional networks, and hands-on industry experience needed to transition into employment.

  • Large community: Approximately 305,000 Bedouins live in Israel, representing about 3.5% of the country’s population. 3.5% 3.5%
  • Young population: 51.7% of Negev Bedouins are under age 18. 51.7% 51.7%
  • Employment gap: Only 24% of the total Negev Bedouin population is employed. 24% 24%
  • Higher education gap: Only 10.1% of Bedouin young adults ages 20–25 are higher education students. 10.1% 10.1%
  • STEM gap: Just 1.12% of Bedouin undergraduate students study mathematics, statistics, or computer science. 1.12% 1.12%
  • Economic mobility gap: Less than 9% of all Negev Bedouin residents earn above minimum wage. 9% 9%

Limited Access, Untapped Potential

The Bedouin community represents approximately 305,000 people—about 3.5% of Israel’s population—and is one of the country’s youngest and fastest-growing populations. Yet Bedouins remain significantly underrepresented in higher education, STEM fields, and high-tech: only 10.1% of Bedouin young adults ages 20–25 are enrolled in higher education, and just 1.12% of Bedouin undergraduates study mathematics, statistics, or computer science.

Our Solution

Siraj creates a clear pathway into high-tech by reaching Bedouin youth and young adults at critical stages: high school, higher education, workforce entry, and career development. The program combines STEM exposure, academic support, mentoring, practical training, networking, internships, and employer connections to help participants understand what a career in technology can look like and gain the tools to pursue it.

Inside the Program: Our Programs

 

  • Alumni Network: Personal and professional development, mentoring, technical training, community gatherings, and networking opportunities.
  • Student Community: Peer connections, seminars, workshops, and hackathons.
  • Practi-Tech: Hands-on experience in technological projects, development of professional skills and teamwork, while connecting participants with high-tech companies and real-world projects.
  • Student Mentorship: Academic support, learning strategies, confidence-building, and encouragement for long-term persistence and success.
  • Career Mentorship: Preparation for the job market, exposure to technological roles, and professional skill-building.
  • Community Awareness Initiatives: Lectures, open dialogue, and exposure to the world of high-tech.
  • Exposure & Experience Workshops: Introduction to the high-tech industry through workshops, company tours, and meetings with industry professionals.
  • High School Hackathon: Encouraging teamwork, creative thinking, and the development of solutions for real-life challenges.
  • The Digital Tent: In partnership with Ben-Gurion University — developing practical app-development projects while promoting innovation and international collaboration.

Our Impact So Far

%

program participants are employed in the high-tech industry today

participants are part of the student community

partner schools throughout Bedouin communities in the Negev

%

a growing network of Bedouin high-tech alumni across southern Israel

Success Stories

“I acquired tools and skills in the course that I would not have gained anywhere else! The course is very practical and includes hands-on training. I really learned how to develop a product. Everything I learned, I applied in the final project. Only thanks to the course was I able to find a job. I feel lucky.”

Saeed A.

“I was hired thanks to the tools and training that itworks taught me. They prepared me with the right skills to enter the industry as a professional in my field.

I am also now a mentor for young Arab engineers who are looking for work in the high-tech and IT industries, as part of one of itworks programs. It is so rewarding to help the youth with networking and support them in gaining the confidence they need to be successful.”

Sirin N.

“My path was full of obstacles. I had to choose my actions carefully and strategically. I set my sights on a goal, knew the role I wanted and steered my career in that direction – it included self-learning, mentoring from people who inspired me, initiative and productivity.

As a graduate student, I wanted to finish my degree with an advantage, with the hopes of being integrated into the high-tech world. As a student I was looking for a program that would enable me to grow and learn on a personal level and to strengthen my professional and personal skills. Itworks exposed me to interesting content that gave me exactly the advantage I was looking for.”

Salam B.

“Itworks helped me advance my skills and educated me in a profession. They introduced me to the high-tech world and helped me learn new tools to succeed.

During my degree itworks provided me with training in Application Development, practical knowledge that I could use in my future employment. My self-confidence and networking improved due to the support they gave me. I received assistance with my resume and had professionals within the high-tech industry coach me and assist me in preparation for my interviews. I was also taught proper conduct in the workplace.
Itworks had my back throughout all the stages of finding a job and accompanied me not only before, but also once I started the job.

Thank you, itworks, for getting me this far and for the tremendous support along the way.”

Muhammed N.

“Life is very challenging, we get out of it what we put into it. Sometimes the journey is filled with obstacles – and as a graduate student or as someone who is unemployed, the obstacles often seem far greater. We have to prepare for this journey and learn to succeed. Itworks and the tools they provided me are a source of knowledge and strength for all who are looking for work.

I went to my first interview with HP Indigo and thanks to itworks, I was well prepared. Be calm and answer questions accordingly, get to the point, go with the flow and feel confident and comfortable with your answers. I passed the first interview successfully and continued on for a series of interviews. itworks accompanied me throughout and helped me improve myself each time. They continuously gave me the support and self-assurance I needed to continue with the process, until finally, I was accepted for the position that I am currently in today.

After three years of working as an engineer I am still in contact with itworks and I know that they are always there to support and help me overcome any challenges that come my way.”

Saied A.

“I started looking for a job while I was still in my second year of my degree, as a student of Electronics. I kept running into obstacles that hindered my progress, and barely got invited to interviews – and once I finally did get an interview, I froze and couldn’t continue. I was forced to start working in house renovation – it was my only option. It gave me the much-needed finances to continue my studies and to enable me to finish my degree. At a certain stage I lost hope and almost completely abandoned my studies – the financial pressures with the taxing physical work in building became too much for me to handle. My dream was to be in high-tech, however I felt like I couldn’t reach my goals. Then, like a gift, I was introduced to itworks.

The itworks team helped me work on my resume, they prepared me for interviews and gave me the know-how I was missing, and they opened up my eyes and explained the various options that lay before me. Their efforts were tremendous. Suddenly, I had renewed energy and my confidence was lifted. Einat was always there for me, available to answer all my questions. She supported me, prepared me for what was ahead and most importantly, she believed in me. I finally had a support system. Today, as I look back I realize how I managed to overcome my difficulties, itworks was a turning point for me. I have been working at Kornit Digital and Developments for three years now and finally my dreams are coming true. I highly recommend going to itworks, trust in them and I promise you that you won’t regret it!”

Ibrahim D.

“I highly recommend Maisam as a Technical Recruiter from itworks, Maisam helped me through the entire job search and application process, it was a tough year with layoffs and the freeze in the high-tech industry and although there were very few positions for students, Maisam kept searching and finding me places I couldn’t reach. and connect me with people that I had no idea how to connect with. Maisam also helped me improve my CV. Maisam is a very talented person who gives all the time and attention needed to a person, very professional and well-prepared for every question and help needed.“

Ade D.

“My name is Basil, and I’m a graduate of Electrical Engineering from Tel Aviv University. I would like to thank itworks for the support they have given me. Whether it was sending my resume to companies, guiding me on how to improve my resume, or suggesting various courses that could help me expand my knowledge and come prepared for job interviews. Thank you very much for everything.”

Basil M.

“I heard about itworks through friends from university, and I started meeting the team at job fairs and at every event held on campus. Each time I met the team at the fairs, we had conversations that encouraged me to keep trying to find a job and not be afraid because of the market situation. That support continued, as they constantly sent me relevant job opportunities. I went through several application processes and also participated in almost all of their successful webinars, especially the job fair organized by the organization.

I’m very grateful to you and always tell students who are looking for work about this project, encouraging them to take part and benefit from the services the organization offers.”

Ma’a M.

“My name is Lauren G. I’m married with two children and I live in Akko in the north. I have a master’s degree and for 16 years I ran a medical lab for Maccabi, where I gained a lot of practical experience. But I have always wanted to have a career in graphic design, branding, and marketing. That was my passion, and I hoped one day to open a business that I love.
I had a dream but not many tools. I took a few short trainings I could afford but ended up without a sufficient professional path and with a part-time job that was barely making ends meet.
When I came across the itworks opportunity, I felt that I had come to the right place. itworks opened a professional path I could not have dreamed of: a full course on social media management with excellent instructors, for just a nominal fee of 600 shekels for a course that costs thousands!
The course was professional and thorough, but in addition, I received wonderful, caring, and professional attention from the itworks staff. They helped me find new clients, far beyond the technical instructions I received in the course. I felt completely embraced, knowing I was in good hands with people who wanted me to succeed.
I am very grateful to itworks and to whoever made this program possible. This program opened for me a new world of opportunities, and today I work as a freelance social marketing professional with private clients, where I can enjoy secure income and manage my time while raising my kids. Thank you!

Lauren G.

A Single Opportunity Can Change a Life

For many Bedouin students and graduates, a high-tech career begins with one opportunity: a mentor, a STEM program, or a first internship. Your support helps open these doors, expanding access to education, employment, and economic mobility while building a more inclusive high-tech workforce for Israel.