What is PUSH?
PUSH is an Israeli non-profit organization that aims to give a “push” to disadvantaged children by tutoring them within the framework of the public school system.
PUSH is based mainly on volunteers who work with pupils on a weekly basis throughout the school year, tutoring them in such subjects as English, Mathematics, Hebrew and others. These activities take place in small groups or individually on the school premises, in full coordination with the pedagogic staff.
The ultimate goal of PUSH is to increase students’ chances of graduating with full matriculation, open doors for those interested in higher education, and provide disadvantaged youth with the skills they need to thrive in today’s competitive workforce.
In addition to the volunteer program, PUSH employs remedial teachers in towns where there is a lack of resources and staff to help pupils with learning difficulties or disabilities. The teachers provide these pupils with extra help within the school system, teaching them basic reading and writing skills. One of PUSH’s goals is to continue to expand this program to reach more students.
Another program initiated in 2016 is a financial education program for youth and children. This is in accordance with PUSH’s aim to arm the younger generation with knowledge about finances, knowledge that is crucial for their future success as adults.
How is PUSH managed?
PUSH was founded in 2002 in Or Yehuda, an Israeli city comprising mostly working class families, many of whom come from lower socio-economic backgrounds.
Its founder and chairperson, Odelia Shpitalni, is an attorney with an established record of community involvement and public service. She has held the position of legal counsel at the Tel Aviv Municipality as well as the Tel-Hashomer and Tel Aviv Medical Centers. She has also served on local education councils. Odelia holds a Master’s degree from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. In her role as chairperson of PUSH, she recruits and manages hundreds of volunteers, implements work procedures, and maintains strong relationships with the Ministry of Education and various municipalities.
Among other awards recognizing her achievements, she received the 2009 President's Award for Volunteers, from the late Mr. Shimon Peres.
PUSH employs five part-time coordinators in its headquarters.
What has PUSH accomplished?
Today, the organization’s 1,900 volunteers tutor more than 4,000 children, aged 7-18, in some 400 schools in 50 cities across Israel. PUSH is also active in higher socio-economic areas, where there is a significant gap between the fortunate and less fortunate, making it even more difficult for disadvantaged pupils to match the academic level of their peers.
PUSH works in coordination with the school staff, including teachers and principals, and continually monitors the contribution of the volunteers and progress of the pupils. Specific measurements have been defined to assess the success of the program, from both the school's point of view and that of the volunteers.
What are PUSH’s goals for the future?
PUSH is continually expanding its activities in order to reach more and more pupils. This includes increasing the number of volunteers and schools in the cities where it is already active, and expanding to additional cities.
PUSH is looking for individuals and organizations that are prepared to help us reach our goals by both volunteering to teach and offering financial support. Donations to PUSH are recognized in Israel and the U.S. as tax deductible expenses, and PUSH abides by all rules and regulations stipulated by the Israeli government for nonprofit organizations.