Ifat Baron, named “the person with the most influence in high-tech education in Israel today” by Israel’s Ministry of Education, was in the Bay Area this month to raise awareness about IT Works.
The Israeli nonprofit provides technological and vocational training and job placement programs for disadvantaged populations throughout Israel. Baron founded the agency in 2006 and is its executive director.
The trip occurred shortly after IT Works was accepted as a partner organization by the Palo Alto–based Israel Venture Network. With the support, Baron wants to launch 20 new courses in different communities across Israel, helping marginalized groups learn basic skills such as résumé-writing and job interview skills in addition to tech know-how. Also, classes for women are a big part of the program.
“These are skills that change people’s lives,” Baron said in an interview during her visit. “Whether it’s a stay-at-home mom that’s been out of the workforce for 15 years, or someone who never finished their education … this is about opening doors for them.”
Baron wants to ensure that Israel’s tech boom reaches those at the bottom of the socioeconomic ladder. “Integrating these populations into the Israeli labor market is good for not only the labor market, but for Israeli society as a whole,” said Baron. The program currently has about a 77 percent employment rate for graduates, she noted.
For more information, visit www.itworks.org.il/en. — emma silvers