The Morris and Rosalind Goodman Family Foundation announced Monday that it has partnered with Tel Aviv University and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem to launch a scholarship program aimed at supporting Israeli graduate students of Ethiopian descent.
According to a press release by the Montreal-based organization, the scholarship seeks to battle the under-representation of Ethiopian Israelis in academia and help boost their integration into Israeli society.
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The scholarship will provide Ethiopian Israeli graduate students who are engaged in social, community or academic leadership activities financial assistance and will be divided equally between TAU and Hebrew University students.
"The intention of this grant is to help on multiple levels," foundation President Maxyne Finkelstein said in a statement.
"It is to assist students with financial needs and also to raise awareness of the importance of graduate studies for this population, in the context of creating greater social and economic benefit through advanced education."
Both universities lauded the initiative.
"The Morris and Rosalind Goodman Scholarships will help Hebrew University provide increased opportunities for Israelis of Ethiopian origin to pursue graduate degrees and to take up positions of leadership in Israeli society and academia," said Michal Barak, director of Hebrew University's Center for the Study of Multiculturalism and Diversity.
"We are committed, through academia, to advancing the well-being and transformation of communities."
Limor Shem-Tov, head of the Unit for Student Advancement at Tel Aviv University noted the school "sees diversity in academia as a key element in building a strong Israeli society, and this is why Tel Aviv University seeks to increase the number of Ethiopian students across all degrees and professions.
"The Morris and Rosalind Goodman Scholarships will provide motivated students from the Ethiopian community the opportunity to realize the dream of a higher education, become agents of change, and gain social influence. We are honored to be partners with the Foundation in this important initiative."
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