המועצה להשכלה גבוהה וקרן מייקל וסוזן דל משיקות את תוכנית המלגות Tech Leaders מל”ג-ות”ת Dell IL.

The Council for Higher Education and the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation Launch Dell IL CHE-PBC Tech Leaders

National initiative will create a pathway from preparatory studies through engineering and science degrees and into careers in Israel’s high-tech sector

TEL AVIV, Israel, Aug. 25, 2026 — The Council for Higher Education’s Planning and Budgeting Committee (PBC) and the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation recently announced the launch of the Dell IL CHE-PBC Tech Leaders program.

The joint initiative is designed to expand access to engineering and science studies for talented and determined young people from across Israeli society, and help them build careers in Israel’s high-tech sector.

By investing in students early and supporting them throughout their academic journey, the initiative aims to help more young people pursue engineering and science degrees, strengthen Israel’s future workforce, and contribute to the national goal of increasing the number of graduates and broadening participation in these fields.

The program is designed for talented young people who begin their academic journey in a pre-academic preparatory program (Mechina) before qualifying for competitive degree programs. Dell IL CHE-PBC Tech Leaders provides the preparation, support, and community they need to succeed academically and professionally. Prospective students can learn more about the program and apply at www.techleaders.org.il.

While many scholarship programs begin after students are admitted to university, Dell IL CHE-PBC Tech Leaders starts earlier, supporting students during the preparatory stage and continuing through completion of their undergraduate studies and into their professional careers.

Participants will receive comprehensive support throughout their journey, including:

• Full tuition funding and significant financial support for living expenses
• Academic support and personalized advising throughout their studies
• Mentorship from industry and academic leaders
• Career exposure, workshops, and other opportunities to gain practical experience
• Direct connections with employers across Israel’s technology sector
• A strong community of fellow participants and alumni

The initiative will operate nationwide in partnership with leading academic institutions across Israel. Students will enter the program through the preparatory programs of the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Bar-Ilan University, and The Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Graduates of those preparatory programs will have the opportunity to continue into degree studies at those institutions as well as the University of Haifa, Ariel University, Sami Shamoon College of Engineering, and Azrieli College of Engineering Jerusalem.

The process of selecting institutions is ongoing, and additional academic institutions are expected to join the program in the coming months.

Industry leaders will also help shape mentorship, career exposure, and practical learning experiences, helping students successfully transition from higher education into meaningful careers in engineering, science, and technology.

The program is expected to support hundreds of students each academic year, with up to 1,500 students over the next five years. The total investment is estimated at approximately NIS 170 million over the next decade through joint funding by the Council for Higher Education’s Planning and Budgeting Committee (PBC) and the Dell Foundation.

This initiative builds on the Dell Foundation’s long-standing commitment to helping students complete college and build meaningful careers. Since 2004, its scholarship and student success programs have provided more than 25,000 students in the United States, India, South Africa, and Kenya with financial support, advising, and career preparation to help them graduate and transition into the workforce.

Prof. Ami Moyal, Chair of the Planning and Budgeting Committee, said:

“It is our responsibility to ensure that every young person in Israel has the opportunity to fulfill their potential and pursue their dreams. The program provides comprehensive support, from the preparatory stage through integration into industry, expanding opportunities for talented young people to study engineering and science. In doing so, it strengthens Israel’s human capital, high-tech sector, and economy, while contributing to the country’s resilience.”

Tali Barash-Bouskila, Head of Israel at the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, said:

“Talent is everywhere, but the path into engineering and science isn’t always clear. This program starts early to equip students with the academic foundation, support, and community they need to earn a degree and launch a meaningful career.”

Dr. Maya Lugasi Ben-Hamo, CEO, Council for Higher Education and Planning and Budgeting Committee, said:

“Our responsibility as a system is to expand access to higher education for different groups across Israeli society and create genuine opportunities for them to participate and succeed. To do so, we must recognize that different communities have different needs and face different barriers, and develop tailored support that responds to them. This program reflects that approach through a comprehensive support system that begins at the Mechina stage and continues throughout students’ studies and into their transition to industry. We will continue to advance tailored support for different communities, enable more students to pursue engineering and science, and strengthen the human capital of the State of Israel.”

Michael & Susan Dell Foundation 
The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation builds pathways that change lives for people and communities around the world. Through their philanthropy, Michael and Susan Dell have committed more than $10 billion to improve education, health, and economic mobility for families, with a focus on delivering measurable, long-term impact.  These efforts reflect a belief that lasting change comes from investing in people – and in the potential of every child. For more information, visit www.dell.org and follow the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation on LinkedIn.

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