Laptop Computer for Every Teacher in Israel

Athena Fund's flagship initiative is the "Laptop Computer for Every Teacher in Israel" program. The program's goal is to provide a laptop computer and 120 hours of professional training to each and every teacher in Israel by the year 2017. Each laptop comes with a three-year warranty, telephone technical support, and a bundle of Microsoft software. Property of the local municipality, the laptops are provided on loan to the teachers for three years, after which all qualifying teachers receive their laptops as a gift. Each participating school must be equipped with wireless internet and at least five classroom projectors.

Launched in August 2007 under the sponsorship of the Prime Minister's Office, the program has been implemented as a strategic partnership with the Israeli Ministry of Education, the Fund for the Professional Advancement of the Israel Teachers' Union, and Bank Massad. Each participating school teacher and principal receives 120 hours of professional training, which is recognized as a professional advancement course within the framework of the "Ofek Chadash" (New Horizon) reform of the Ministry of Education. The bundle of Microsoft software that each teacher receives is based on an agreement with the Ministry of Education.