Children at Risk – (Nitzanei Oz)
- State of the art Autotech program. Custom designed automotive garages and classrooms equipped with latest diagnostic and programming tools; students develop and repair computerized components of autonomous and alternative fuel vehicles.
- Electronics major feature college entry level electronic and software engineering; students learn to operate and build functioning robots utilizing state-of-the-art software and 3D printing of robotic components.
- Small class size less than half that of national average
- Residential dormitories allowing 70% of students live on campus
The great majority of the children at BSEC have parents who did not graduate high school and are currently suffering from family issues that leave them unable to support their children’s academic progress. The BSEC uses a two-fold holistic approach to provide at-risk boys with a safe and positive environment that is conducive to leading a healthy and respectable lifestyle. First, we ensure that every boy’s basic physical and spiritual needs are met as no child can concentrate on an empty stomach or when he is under emotional distress. As such, the boys receive three balanced and nutritious meals each day, therapeutic support, school supplies, weather-appropriate clothing and shoes as well as dental, medical, and optic care. For most of the children, this support is provided 24 hours a day as they live in the school’s dormitory.
Second, we provide the boys with a quality, technology-based education which we believe is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty. Equipping the boys in our care with high school qualifications while capitalizing on their natural interest in technology, guarantees them greater opportunities for financial and social success.
The school’s technology focus includes a focus on computer programming and networking, robotics development, electronics, and repair and maintenance of the technology based and computerized parts of new automobiles, including self-driving technology. Smart classrooms and specially designed robotics and autotech facilities have been added to provide the students with state-of-the art training to prepare them for gainful employment after their army service.
Auto maintenance and repair is a quickly changing industry, requiring a multidisciplinary background to handle late model vehicles which cannot function without their computerized control systems. The excitement surrounding these systems, including self-driving and automated warning programs, naturally attracts today’s youth. To capitalize on this excitement, the BSEC has created a specialized classroom outfitted with all the computer technology necessary to simulate actual car repair. This classroom will be complemented by an actual car repair garage on campus, allowing each type of mechanical and programming work to be performed on functioning vehicles.
Robotics is a second quickly expanding field holding great interest among our students, many of whom struggle in non-technology based coursework. Students are challenged to develop unique robots boasting functions that they determine and then develop over the course of the school year.
The BSEC’s curriculum is comprised of both Jewish and secular studies, designed to enable the students to grow academically, emotionally, and spiritually. Each school day begins with a review of Jewish classical texts, ethics, and philosophy and is followed by courses in computer programming, English, history, literature, mathematics, science, and social studies. BSEC’s insistence on maintaining a small class size in all academic subjects has been crucial in our efforts to give the children the tools they need to reach their potential.
In addition, the boys participate in recreational programming, such as music and sports, and art that provide the physical and creative stimulation necessary for growth and development in non-academic areas. Furthermore, the BSEC frequently organizes field trips for the boys to build team spirit and raise morale, including hikes and barbeques.
