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ABOUT MEEI

Mar Elias College of Technology fulfils a unique role for Arab students in bridging the gap between High School and employment in trades, services and professions. It endeavours to provide the necessary support, encouragement and experience in order to enhance the students' chances of success at University or as members of the working community. MEC is the largest college in the Arab community in Israel with 384 students and 59 faculty members and has earned a well-documented reputation for excellence. Students come from 47 towns and villages throughout the country and most fulfil the requirements in their specific field of study for an official 2 year certificate from the Ministries of Education and Labour and MEC. The College adheres closely to the official curriculum laid down by the Israeli Ministry of Education and has a major focus in the area of high technology by offering courses in Computing Science, Communication Technology, Food Technology and Business Administration. Thus MEC students are prepared to take their place in the Israeli economic and labor market.

Within the set curriculum however, there is room for creativity and innovation. This year MEC formed an alliance with Cisco Systems Israel as a Regional Academy. As a partner of Cisco, MEC will offer its students a range of components, services and technical support which will greatly enhance the quality of the Communications program and ensure that they are experienced in the latest technological developments in communications and networking.

Another innovative program, which prepares students for the rigors of University study, is the Field Research Program. Each student selects a topic which is related to the needs and aspirations of the Arab community and endeavours to discover creative approaches and solutions to a specific issue or problem. In the field of economics students have researched the viability of proposed new industries, planned strategic marketing for new products and provided architectural models for community projects. Creative new programs have been developed in Computing Science in order to meet specific needs in Arab society. A comparative study between Arab and Jewish health services has highlighted significant differences in access to quality health care.

MEEI is particularly proud of the needs analysis undertaken by students to assess interest in and attitudes towards the establishment of an Arab Israeli University. The results of this research provided the impetus for the Board of Management and the Board of Directors to implement plans for the Mar Elias University Project.

© 2002 by Mar Elias Educational Institutions