The Continuation Program
Support for at-Risk backgrouns Graduates of National Service on their Path to Studies and Meaningful Employment
Background and Rational
Most young women from at risk background who complete National Civilian Volunteer Service (sherut leumi) or the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) need guidance that without it, they are at risk of returning to the precarious situations and lifestyles they had before their service. The Bat-Ami Continuation Program was created to offer these young women individual and group support in a variety of life skills, to enable them to progress and build their lives in terms of employment, education, personal growth and empowerment.
All participants in the Continuation Program integrate into studies or the workforce.
Following is a list of the varied paths taken by participants in recent years:
Academic studies: economics and industry, bio-technology, social work, public administration, industrial design, early childhood education and elementary school education.
Pre-academic preparatory programs (mechinot): completion of 12 years of study and matriculation exams.
Professional training: Infant-childcare workers, bookkeeping, computer technician training, medical secretarial training, legal secretarial training, information science, computer graphics.
Anticipated Outcomes
The participants will integrate into frameworks of higher education or vocational training according to their choice and appropriate for their abilities. Each will build a vision for their future that includes preparation for integrating into the work force by learning appropriate interpersonal communication skills; how to adjust aspirations to reality; how to conduct a job search; write a C; how to optimally interview for a job, and more.
Program Partners
The Hizdamnut Fund, the San Francisco Jewish Federation, the Chicago Jewish Federation, the Gruss Fund, the Michelson Foundation
