(Courtesy of JCT) Last year, the Jerusalem College of Technology made a groundbreaking announcement.
After much consideration and planning, it was launching Israel’s first English-language computer science degree for women, responding to a strong demand for non-Hebrew speaking religious women to study computer science in Israel in a religious-friendly environment.
Fast forward one year later, and the program is off to a terrific start in its inaugural semester.
As part of JCT’s Machon Tal School, where over 2,500 women study in undergraduate and graduate tracks, the computer science degree for women is a three-year degree, opening this year with just under 20 students. The degree is fully recognized by Israel’s Council of Higher Education, making all credits fully transferrable.
“The first year of our women’s computer science program in English has gone incredibly well and we can’t wait to see the program grow and develop,” said Siona Margrett, director of the program. “It’s so inspiring to see these strong, religious women move to Israel and pursue a college degree in a STEM field. There is a feeling of community among our first class, where they really help and support each other. And because it’s only the first year and the student body is relatively small, it provides a great opportunity for friendship and mentorship.”
The program was built off the existing success of JCT’s International Program in English for Men, which allows students to continue learning with their rabbis in yeshivas in Israel while simultaneously obtaining strong professional training in the areas of business or computers. The well-known beit midrash on campus, headed by Rabbi Yosef Tzvi Rimon, also offers a place to study Torah while the students complete their academic courses.
Following three critically formative and intensive years of study in both men’s and women’s programs, students emerge prepared not only to embark on successful career paths but also forge life paths that maintain an abiding fidelity to Torah and Israel.
