English Access Microscholarship Program

Preparing for the Future

On 18 May 2023, AIO Kamila Manzueta greeted 130 Access Alumni at their Alumni Activity Day in Na-Lagaat Center (NGO working with the disabled) in Jaffa arranged by ORT Israel and the Amal Educational Network and funded by the RELO and ECA/A/L.  Manzueta underscored the importance of English in the 21st century as a fundamental tool connecting us globally and helping diverse people build bridges of understanding. She explained why the Embassy invests so heavily in English and encouraged the students to stay connected with the Embassy and each other via social media.
The inspiring day was facilitated by IVLP alumni Hans Shakur and Muhammad Kabajah, who presented relevant workshops and sessions to prepare the Alumni for higher education, career planning, financial and decision-making, and future AI opportunities.  Israeli entrepreneur Yanki Margalit gave an inspiring talk on Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship. The event was an excellent opportunity for the graduates to network and discuss their futures and how they can empower themselves to prepare for the future and bring about change.

Cultural Day at the Tel Aviv Museum of Art

Over 3 separate days during February and March 2022, over 150 11th graders from 6 schools enjoyed a cultural visit to the Tel Aviv Museum of Art.  This was an opportunity for them to hone their English skills as they participated in a guided tour of the unique Japanese Yayoi Kusama exhibition followed by a creative workshop – both held in English of course!!

Service Learning during March 2022

A US-prompted activity undertaken by 160 ACCESS 11th graders involved volunteering during Service Learning Day.  Each of the 6 schools chose a volunteering activity that appealed to its ACCESS students, ranging from planting flowers in community gardens to looking after abused animals in a pet shelter – including feeding and grooming them as well as cleaning out their pens!!  Students from three schools eagerly volunteered at the sanctuary on Moshav Herut and had an opportunity to practice their English speaking skills during a lively discussion on various aspects of cruelty to animals.

Access Summer Camp – June 2022

An English Summer Camp for ACCESS 10th graders was organized for the first two days of the summer vacation.  Some 150 students from 8 schools participated in experiential workshops on Storytelling, Debate and Photography. 

Opening Ceremony

The month of June 2022 formally heralded the start of the ACCESS program for 152 10th graders during an Opening Ceremony in the Kaufmann Auditorium in the Tel Aviv Museum of Art. In the presence of distinguished guests from the US Embassy, the event included the awarding of participation certificates, a musical interlude and greetings.  Students also enjoyed a specifically designed guided activity in English dedicated to American art, which gave them a chance to familiarize themselves with some of the museum’s artwork as they strolled around. 

12th graders from 6 Amal schools who completed the 2 year ACCESS program attended a Graduation Ceremony at Ben Gurion University of the Negev in Beer Sheva.  Students received certificates of participation from the US Embassy. 

The opening event of the new cycle of the Access program took place on November 10th, 2020. The event, which was held on Zoom, was attended by 10th graders from seven selected schools.

The event was opened by Ms. Alice Murray, who serves as Regional English Language Officer at the U.S. Embassy, who said:
“One of the most important things about mastering a new language is the fact that you are going to be able to have a better understanding with other people around the world, not just Americans, folks in Asia, folks in Europe, folks in Africa.”

The event included greetings from the Director of the Amal English Department, Dr. Rachel Tal, representatives of the teachers and
the students, as well as reading of American poetry, a screening of videos prepared by the students, and an acoustic musical performance by the singer Carlie Fairburn.

Another key aspect of the Access Program is its Service Learning Project, a unique experience that gives students an opportunity to give back to their communities. Service Learning integrates meaningful community service with instruction and reflection. The participants learn and grow through active participation in thoughtfully organized service that addresses the needs of a community.

In the current school year we held two Service Learning days, one for the 12th graders and one for the 10th graders. We implemented community service learning activities that could be carried out without risking the students’ health and safety, during this challenging school year.

12th grade students – December 2020

10th grade students – June 2021

This year the Access summer camp, for the 10th graders, focused on the topic of “Women as Pioneers, Leaders, and Influencers”.
The students experienced two days of enriching learning about the history and path that powerful and inspiring women have made from the Jewish, Arab and Bedouin sectors in Israel and around the world.
Learning was accompanied by fun activities that included photography and ODT workshops. At the end of the summer camp, the students enjoyed the screening of the film Gifted as part of Cinema Day, in one of the largest movie theaters in Israel.

Click here to watch a video of exciting moments from our Access 2021 summer camp