The Foundation runs scholarship programs with esteemed U.S. colleges, Harvard and Brown. The objective of these programs is to provide promising students from Israel and Palestine with a unique and unforgettable educational experience, irrespective of their background. Following completion of their studies, the idea is that the students will return home to become ambassadors for change and contribute to the development of the region. The Harvard scheme, which awards four full scholarships to the John F. Kennedy School of Government, is called the Sammy Ofer Graduate Fellowship. These places are reserved for promising young Israeli and Palestinian leaders in public service, who are thought to be those who will benefit the most from acquiring an undergraduate degree at such a prestigious institution. As well as covering the full cost of tuition, the program provides additional financial support to the students, so that they can get the most out of their educational experience.
The prestigious program is appropriately named after Idan’s late father and was established as part of The Foundation’s ongoing commitment to a peaceful future of the Israeli and Palestinian territories. Brown’s program functions in a similar manner, awarding four full scholarships to the university, irrespective of field of study. These scholarships are designed to support aspiring leaders who reside in or are citizens of Israel. As with The Sammy Ofer Graduate Fellowship, the program provides additional financial support to students as well as covering the full cost of tuition, so that they can get the most out of their educational experience. The Foundation’s support of young people through these prestigious educational programs, is one of the fundamental ways in which Batia and Idan strive to have a positive impact on society. The programs are forward-looking and recognise the importance of education and multiculturalism for the future of Israel and Palestine.