The Israeli government will fund one-third of a Birthright Israel program for students interested in business and technology.
The Birthright Israel Excel program was launched in 2011 and includes an all-expenses paid 10-week internship program in Israel.
In addition to the business track, Birthright Excel launched the Ventures track this year, which focuses on entrepreneurs. Participants in the Ventures program work in an accelerator environment starting from initial creation to an early stage proof of concept and are mentored by leading figures in the Israeli startup community.
The Excel program connects high-performing college students and recent graduates with leading businesspeople in Israel, offering opportunities to work in finance, venture capital, consulting, cybersecurity, high-tech, bio-tech, venture creation and other fields. More than 230 young adults have participated to date and the program is currently supported by the Steinhardt Family Foundation, the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation and the Paul E. Singer Foundation.
Since 2000, Birthright Israel has provided free trips to more than 500,000 Jewish young adults aged 18-26 with the goal of strengthening Jewish identity, facilitating cultural understanding and fostering solidarity with Israel and its people. — jta