1. Ruppin to Career program

2. Description
o New and unique program in Israel
o Focus on the 10% individuals having specific learning disabilities (attention
deficits, ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia…)
o 30 students each year
o student age:22 +
o duration of program: 2 yr + 6 months job placement process
o Autonomy in program creation and implementation (college diploma)

3. Strenghts
o Holistic approach to student development
o Strong and successful collaboration with employers
o Continuous and individualised monitoring of student progress(1-on-1
relationships with the mentor)
o „Soft release” and transition to labour market

4. SELECTION PROCESS
o 3:1 selection ratio based on diagnostic papers and interview
o Matching of student capabilities and interests to the college programs
INTEGRATION
o Focus of 1st semester on personal development and development of life skills
o Basic literacy (Maths, Hebrew, computer skills, English)
o Introduction to various programs and matching process
o Individual planning and modular programs
o Integration within college community (involvement in social and other activities)

5. NEEDS ASSESSMENT AND GUIDANCE
o Continuous individual guidance and counseling (related to specific life
problems and career planning and development)
o Once a week meeting with mentor
o Staff consultation meetings about individual student adaptation and progress
o Strong support in transition to labour market („soft release” and matching)

6. TEACHER COMPETENCES
o Experienced and motivated teachers („teachers with big heart”)
o Strong collaboration with educational professionals and support staff
o Consultation meetings and continuous professional development
o Involvement of families

7. TRANSITION TO LABOUR MARKET
o Actively seeking the employers for individual students
o Inclusion during the program in the regular working environment in cooperation with employers (project work)
o Matching between students’ competencies and employers’ requirements
o Matching programs to labour market and specific employers

8. GOVERNMENT SUPPORT
o Non-profitable program of Ruppin College
o Social security funds for students
o Special benefits for employers (adaptation of work place, add-on salary)
o Funding of specific activities (family involvement events etc.)

9. Challenges
o Sustainability of the program
o Enrollment of higher proportion of target students group
o Widening of programs to other social (special needs) groups
o Unfortunatelly, we had no opportunity to meet students and to get insight to
their perspectives