AI for Social Change: Narrowing the Gaps in Israel’s Periphery

Revolutionizing Education

The impact of artificial intelligence (AI) is being felt across various sectors, from economics to science, mathematics to medicine. In Israel, a country known for its high-tech industry, AI is also revolutionizing the way education is delivered, particularly in the periphery. The Rashi Foundation, a prominent private philanthropy, recognizes the potential of AI to address social mobility challenges in Israel’s geo-social periphery. Access to technology and resources remains a significant barrier to bridging the gap between the periphery and the center. Limited exposure to high-tech industry professionals and projects in the periphery restricts opportunities for students.

Challenges in Education

The high number of students per classroom in Israel creates difficulties in providing personalized learning, which is essential for each student’s unique needs.

• High number of students per classroom
• Wide variance in students’ needs
• Limited access to technology and resources

AI Tools for Personalized Learning

AI tools can identify each student’s level and pace of learning, providing immediate feedback and adapting learning materials accordingly. Teachers can harness AI’s capabilities for classroom teaching and deliver innovative and practical knowledge in an interactive manner that stimulates learning, thinking, and curiosity.

“AI can make a big difference. If children from the periphery can use these tools correctly, in a short time they will narrow the gaps that five or six years ago would have taken us a decade to correct.” — Michal Cohen, CEO of the Rashi Foundation

The Cyber Education Center: A Partner in Social Change

The Cyber Education Center, affiliated with the Rashi Foundation, is spearheading social change through education and developing skills to enable youth in Israel’s periphery to become productive members of society and assume key positions in Israel’s technology industry, academia, and defense forces.

Results and Impact

The Cyber Education Center has achieved significant results in advancing technology skills and knowledge among students in Israel’s periphery. Since its inception, 4,000 students have completed its flagship program, Magshimim, operating in 120 municipalities across Israel.

1. 70% of graduates have served in technology units of the IDF.
2. 84% of graduates have continued to the high-tech industry after military service.

A Vision for the Future

The Cyber Education Center envisions a future where AI-driven learning makes high-quality, personalized tech education accessible to all. With AI, the next generation of innovators and tech leaders can grow anywhere. “AI platforms have the power to revolutionize tech education and create real opportunities for teens in underserved communities,” says Sagy Bar, CEO of the Cyber Education Center. AI can bridge gaps by making high-quality, personalized tech education accessible to all.

A Call to Action

Michal Cohen emphasizes that investing in the periphery with AI tools is essential to avoid leaving the periphery behind. The AI revolution is in full swing, and it cannot be ignored. By working with students to help them use these tools correctly and in a personalized way, the gap between the center and the periphery can be reduced much more quickly. This article was written in cooperation with the Rashi Foundation.