Dr. Yael Granot-Bein

Director of the Social Engagement Unit

Office of the Dean of Students

Field of Activity
Community out-reach programs; social entrepreneurship; social mobility; students from minority groups and first generation to higher education

DOWNLOAD BIO

SHORT BIO

I hold a Ph.D. in history from the University of Haifa. In 2012, I co-founded the Weiss-Livnat International M.A program in Holocaust Studies which I directed for 10 years and in 2019 I established and ran its International Innovation Hub for Holocaust Commemoration and Education. The Hub was a collaborative, highly dynamic, supportive, and empowering environment for people passionate about the future of Holocaust memory. It brought together young social impactors from diverse backgrounds, nationalities, and cultures who worked on turning their innovative ideas into sustainable educational projects. 

When I assumed my position as Director of the Social Engagement Unit, I brought the spirit of social entrepreneurship with me in the aim of creating opportunities for students to train as agents of social change. My unit works under the belief that anyone and everyone should be made aware of their potential to make a change and given the opportunity to do so.

First Generation Students as Agents of Change: Harnessing the transformative power of education

“Recent decades have seen universities expanding access to education through a focus on integration and campus diversity. As they thrive, first generation university students are breaking generational cycles of inequality and shaping a more equitable and prosperous society. As Israel’s most culturally diverse university, the University of Haifa is taking a leading role in creating opportunities for meaningful engagement, integration, diversification and renewal through social leadership programs initiated by the Office of the Dean of Students.”
– Dr. Yael Granot-Bein 

FUNDRAISING NEEDS

The time young people spend at university is usually the final opportunity – right before life takes over – to become aware of the social environment we live in, its challenges and needs and work to design and implement possible solutions. Together with a team of passionate professional, the unit initiates, designs and manages a rich variety of outreach programs that include shared society programs on campus and in mixed cities; empowerment programs for young women students from minority groups; programs that promote social mobility through higher education for youth living in the periphery of Israel;  programs for children with special needs, youth at risk and the elderly; financial literacy programs for disadvantaged youth and families;  urban regeneration in run-down areas in Haifa; and education programs about climate change and sustainability for Arab children and youth.

Hundreds of University of Haifa students are involved in these programs every year and receive scholarships of 5,000-10,000 NIS for their participation. These scholarships enable them to focus on their studies while dedicating time and energy (between 120-140 hours a year) to social causes and work.

Thousands of students apply each year for these scholarships. Our limited funds enable us to support and thus engage about 500 students annually. More funds are needed in order to support more students in their education and as agents of social change.

SDG Goals:

Meet more of Our Ambassadors