REHOVOT, ISRAEL—June 25, 2008—The American Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science announced that the William Davidson Foundation of Detroit has pledged $15 million to the endowment of the Davidson Institute of Science Education at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel. This contribution will further science education projects and initiatives both in Israel and on the international scene.
The Davidson Institute was founded in 2001 with a $20 million endowment gift from Guardian Industries Corp. Its establishment was a direct continuation and expansion of the activities of the Weizmann Institute in the field of science education. The Davidson Institute’s primary goal is to develop science, technology, and mathematics education in Israel. This most recent gift will strengthen its current positive impact, in addition to broadening its scope even further to include more children, teachers, and communities.
As the only institute of its kind – geared towards science education – the Davidson Institute is a prominent model throughout the world. It provides a wide range of educational programs and activities for teachers, students, and the general public. Its goal is to revitalize and nurture scientific, mathematical, and technological education both in the K-12 school system and the public at large. The Davidson Institute is active in the international arena in a number of areas of science education, including projects designated to promote development of leadership of science teachers, and joint science projects and activities between school classes from Israel and other countries.
In the interest of fostering high teaching standards, the Davidson Institute facilitates professional teacher development, organizing numerous long-term education programs, workshops, annual conferences, and seminars. The Davidson Institute also organizes unique activities to bring science closer to students of all ages and levels, from challenging the most advanced students, to providing tutoring and interactive support for those lagging behind. Finally, in the modern world, in which scientific and technological knowledge is essential to an individual’s performance, the Davidson Institute facilitates science literacy for the general public, initiating lectures, public discussions, and conferences on popular science.
“It is essential that the Weizmann Institute broaden its proven, successful educational science initiatives to reach even more people in Israel and around the world,” Mr. Davidson, President and C.E.O. of Guardian Industries Corp., said. “I believe that education – particularly science education – is an absolute necessity for a healthy and vibrant society.”
Prof. Haim Harari, who first initiated the Davidson Institute and has served as its Chairman since its founding, expressed his deep gratitude to the William Davidson Foundation and Mr. Davidson, stating that “in the 21st century, a certain level of understanding and appreciation of science and technology is a crucial component of any modern society, serving as the key to economic and intellectual success of every country and each individual. The numerous programs of the Davidson Institute of Science Education are dedicated to bringing science to all, whether they are exceptionally talented students, members of the general public, or youngsters who are outside the mainstream of society.”
Prof. Daniel Zajfman, President of the Weizmann Institute of Science, thanked Mr. Davidson on behalf of the William Davidson Foundation for its ongoing commitment and generosity. “Bill Davidson’s vision is that education is society’s most vital investment. We are honored that he has chosen to continue this successful partnership with the Weizmann Institute and carry out our mission of strengthening science education in Israel and beyond.”
Mr. Davidson received an honorary doctorate from the Institute in 2001, and he and his wife, Karen, are members of the American Committee's President's Circle.The American Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science (ACWIS), founded in 1944, develops philanthropic support for the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel, one of the world's premier scientific research institutions. The Weizmann Institute is a center of multidisciplinary scientific research and graduate study, addressing crucial problems in medicine and health, technology, energy, agriculture, and the environment. For additional information, please visit www.weizmann-usa.org.
