Momentum Rahat

Education and STEM

Social Impact Bond aimed to increase the number of Bedouin high school students studying Advanced Math and Hebrew in Rahat

The Project

The rate of students studying advanced mathematics (4-5 matriculation units) in the Bedouin population is one of the lowest in Israel – only 14% compared to 34% in the general population. This is considered one of the most difficult matriculation exams but also the one that has the greatest impact on students’ future. Therefore, increasing the number of graduates is essential to better their future chance of getting a higher education and optimize their employment opportunities, as well as to improve the social mobility of the Bedouin population.

The Impact

The number of students studying advanced math and Hebrew increased by 80% compared to the situation pre-intervention.

Looking Ahead

In light of the program's success, the Ministry of Education seeks to expand the project with the "Momentum 2" program, which is expected to be the largest social impact bond in Israel and one of the largest in the world. The program will emphasize matriculation exam results alongside its graduates’ integration into higher education. The project will continue to operate in Rahat for three additional cycles, focusing on making the model sustainable, and will expand to four additional Bedouin towns in the Negev: Hura, Segev Shalom, Kuseife, and Ar'ara.