Adopt a Graduat
The “Adopt a Graduate” Foundation was established by Rachel Bargad in 2022 with the goal of supporting graduates of youth villages and boarding schools as they transition into independent adult life.
The foundation assists these young adults during their first steps into independence, providing financial, emotional, therapeutic, and educational support.
How We Help
Support for scholarships, medical treatments, tuition fees, rent assistance, equipment for soldiers and National Service volunteers, funding for driving lessons, psychometric exam preparation, pre-academic program/yeshiva, business start-up support, wedding assistance, maternity package, help with loans and debt repayment, financial aid for graduates’ families, psychological treatments, career guidance, and more…
The Need
Many graduates finish their journey in boarding schools or youth villages and suddenly face a new reality without financial, familial, or community backing, after years of being cared for in a safe and nurturing environment.
They must provide for their basic needs and begin building their lives. While some government benefits exist, in most cases they are left to face the system entirely on their own.
Eligibility Criteria
Support is available for graduates of youth villages and boarding schools who have completed 12 years of schooling and are performing, or have completed, full military or national service.
Additional Activities
Following the “Iron Swords” War, the foundation expanded its efforts to also support orphans and widows facing severe financial and emotional hardships.
Granting Support
Graduates who meet the foundation’s criteria submit a request that is reviewed by the foundation’s board of directors. Once approved, the funds are transferred directly to the service providers (universities, clinics, banks, professionals, retailers, and suppliers).
The “Adopt a Graduate” Foundation supports dozens of graduates every year, seeing this work as a vital mission: building a brighter future for vulnerable communities in Israeli society.
About Me
My name is Rachel Bargad, an educator and social entrepreneur from Pardes Hanna. After many years of educational work in Israel and abroad, including over a decade in the United States, I returned to Israel.
In 2022, I fulfilled a dream and founded the “Adopt a Graduate” Fund, which supports young men and women without family or financial backing as they take their first steps toward independent life.
I believe wholeheartedly in their potential and see every day how, with the right support, they succeed, grow stronger, and contribute meaningfully to Israeli society.
Our Achievements
Highlights of Our Incredible Achievements Together in 2022-2023
With your unwavering support, we have illuminated the paths of 15 graduates, ensuring that their journey forward is marked by hope and empowerment. Here are just a few of the impactful milestones we've reached:
Celebrating Love: With the approach of October 2023, K. is gearing up for his wedding day. We rallied to help him cover expenses, allowing him to embrace this momentous chapter without financial burdens.
Passion Fueled: E. embarked on her journey at a fashion academy. With your support, we not only secured a 55% discount on her studies, but also equipped her with all necessary tools, igniting her dreams.
Brightening Lives: We eased financial strains by aiding in utility bill payments, enabling our graduates to focus on building their futures.
Holistic Support: Comprehensive psychological treatments, employment workshops, and dedicated counselors were made accessible, empowering our graduates to excel in various spheres.
Personal Celebrations: Birthdays were made brighter with thoughtful gift cards, celebrating the uniqueness of each individual.
Empowering Futures: We extended financial aid for tuition to pre-military Mechina programs, propelling D. and Y. towards personal growth.
Radiant Smiles: We provided essential dental treatments, including braces and surgeries, offering our graduates brighter smiles and improved well-being.
A Place to Call Home: Ensuring comfortable living situations, we supplied electrical appliances to graduates renting apartments, provided two new beds for two graduates, and installed an oven in three apartments.
Nurturing Health: Medical supplies like hearing aids and glasses were procured, enriching the lives of our graduates and ensuring their well-being.
A Season of Giving: Ahead of the holidays, we distributed food packages to each of our fiveyear-ago graduates, spreading warmth and joy during festive times.
In 2024–2025
Covered annual tuition for two graduates - one pursuing a degree in engineering and the other in psychology.
Provided full funding for driving lessons for three graduates.
Offered financial support to purchase furniture and pay the rent for graduates who have completed their national service.
Facilitated complex orthodontic treatment for a graduate who completed his military service and is now starting a position at the Ministry of Defense.
Funded professional training in pastry arts for one graduate.
Provided a scholarship for a graduate who serves as a police officer and is pursuing a Master's degree in Business Administration.
Supplied military gear for our combat soldier graduates.
Purchased medical equipment and provided emotional therapy for those in need.
Funded a high-tech computer for a graduate who recently launched a production company.
Additionally, we supported a graduate working at Neve Michael while attending a professional beauty training course.
Furthermore, we provided crucial assistance to four orphans from the Swords of Iron War, including emotional therapy and home renovations to accommodate their new needs.
Our Alumni Say
