Through this program, which is run in full partnership with the Arab Schools Branch of the Ministry of Education, students are motivated and encouraged to work hard to achieve full civic integration within Israeli society while maintaining a proud sense of their distinct Arab-Palestinian identity. Ninth graders from 22 schools are studying the "Spaces of Shared Citizenship" program for one-hour each week as part of their curriculum. The citizenship teachers running the program are paid by the Ministry of Education and trained and supported by Merchavim.