New Academic Initiative Launches to Support Wounded IDF Veterans
The Academic College has launched "Program Shachar" to integrate wounded IDF veterans into higher education with full tuition coverage, academic flexibility, and holistic support.
The Academic College of Tel Aviv-Yaffo has launched "Program Shachar", a new academic and rehabilitation initiative designed to help wounded IDF veterans integrate into higher education. The program covers tuition fees, provides personal guidance throughout the degree, and assists with career placement. Hundreds of disabled veterans are expected to begin their studies through this initiative in the upcoming academic year.
Comprehensive Financial Support
Under the program, IDF veterans with a disability rating of 20% or higher who are eligible for a full rehabilitation package from the Ministry of Defense will be able to study for an academic degree at no cost. The college will cover the gap between the Ministry of Defense funding—which reaches up to 36,000 shekels per year—and the full tuition, alongside funding specialized workshops. Veterans with a disability rating of less than 20% will receive a 10% tuition discount, while combat soldiers currently undergoing the recognition process as disabled veterans will receive the full support package free of charge.
Flexible Tracks and Personal Guidance
The study track features a flexible schedule tailored to the students' needs, relaxed admission requirements, and personal accompaniment by an academic trustee from the department. Additionally, the college and the Organization of IDF Disabled Veterans are offering an "Academic Tastes" track, allowing wounded soldiers to experience academic studies at a pace suited to their medical and rehabilitation status without committing to a full degree.
Participants in the trial track can study up to two academic courses without needing to meet preliminary admission requirements, subject to a personal interview and nominal registration fees. If they later choose to enroll in a full degree, the credit points earned will be fully recognized.
Holistic Support and Career Integration
Beyond tuition funding, the program offers personal, emotional, and academic support throughout the entire degree. Participants will benefit from the guidance of a dedicated coordinator from the Dean of Students office, learning accommodations, and academic skill-building workshops.
Students can also utilize the college's "Warm Embrace" center, which offers resilience workshops, music therapy, mind-body activities, yoga and pilates classes, strength training, and rehabilitative sports. The college's legal clinics will assist with rights enforcement against relevant authorities, and the career development center will guide participants toward successful integration into the labor market upon graduation.
