Need
All statistical measurements reveal a significant gap between the Ethiopian-Israeli community and the rest of Israeli society. In comparison with other Israeli immigrants, Ethiopian immigrants occupy the lowest educational, socio-economic and employment rankings in all relevant statistical surveys. Even though technology positions occupy a significant portion of the Israeli job market (and are relatively well-paying), there are less than 15 Ethiopian Israelis working in the field of computer programming (9 of them are graduates of Tech-Careers) and less than 30 students who are receiving or have received any kind of training in the field. Most young Ethiopian Israelis do not have the matriculation grades required for acceptance into university technology tracks, and the expensive tuition at Israel's colleges rule these out as a reasonable option. Additionally, the percentage of Ethiopian families with school-age children who own a personal computer is extremely low when compared with the larger Israeli population.
Tech Careers is convinced that it is possible to support capable, motivated young Ethiopian Israelis in breaking the cycle of poverty and social barriers through employment in computer programming. The Tech-Careers program contributes to alleviating the poverty gap and the gap in societal expectations by providing young adults without the financial resources or the educational preparation for university admission with the means of obtaining a high-paying high-prestige career. At present, Tech Careers is the only program of its kind in Israel, providing intensive computer-programming training to young adults from the Israeli-Ethiopian community without respect to their prior academic achievement or financial capabilities. These young people will in turn serve as role models for the immigrant community and inspire other youth to make the effort to break the poverty cycle and achieve financial independence. As the Tech Careers program emphasizes community responsibility its graduates make every effort to give back to the community.