What Makes an ORT Education Different?

ORT’s expertise includes adapting proven teaching strategies to meet the varied learning styles and challenges of its students. This may include peer mentoring or after school tutoring programs. ORT is unique in adapting its vast educational and social services to specific areas and needs such as students with disabilities who require individual counseling.

An ORT education is not restricted to books and computers. ORT teaches its students the importance of social and communal responsibility, as well as Jewish continuity. Part of that preparation is instilling in students the value of giving back to their communities. The principles of "values education" are woven throughout students’ time at ORT schools. ORT believes that enabling students to perform community service develops high ideals and leadership skills.

For many students, especially for those coming from countries that were formerly governed under a communist regime, ORT is their only connection to their Jewish heritage. Classes may be taught in Hebrew language and students are connected to Judaism through cultural activities such as the celebration of Jewish holidays. ORT’s education contributes significantly to the survival and continuity of the Jewish people.

ORT’s innovative programs represent real advances in teaching strategies and encourage students to explore the increasingly important fields of physics, robotics, nanotechnology, bioengineering and biochemistry. These signature programs produce students who surpass their peers at non-ORT schools worldwide. Internships and relationships with local businesses allow students to receive an enhanced educational experience that gives them access to the most advanced computer and information technology.

ORT’s large global educational network is a key factor in its success and really makes The ORT Difference because it enables the sharing of the latest educational strategies among schools and programs in 62 countries around the world. Students across broad geographic regions such as in the former Soviet Union - are connected via the Internet and distance learning programs.

Today, more students than ever are attending ORT schools and more communities are requesting that ORT open or take over schools in their cities. An ORT education is in demand because ORT creates and delivers educational programs that make an immediate and significant impact on enriching the lives of children, their teachers and the local community.

What these students gain from ORT programs is the ability to maximize their potential, regardless of their ability. ORT gives its students the tools to obtain the high tech skills that prepare them for the demands of the local job market, while developing good citizens through its emphasis on basic human and Jewish values. ORT graduates fuel economies and contribute significantly to the survival and continuity of the Jewish people.

ORT and the quality of an ORT education are two things which have remained a stable and reliable source of hope and limitless opportunity through all the turmoil in the world. 

ORT's Guiding Principles

Since the beginning of time, interdependency has been the nucleus of survival. That is, each society relies on the varied skills of its members to meet the needs of the community. Within each society, each member needs a set of skills that contribute to society as a whole while also fostering economic independence.

Likewise, the survival of the Jewish people is dependent on the varied skills that contribute to the society in which they live. A fundamental value of ORT is to improve the condition of the Jewish people economically by addressing community needs and also those of the individual.

A fundamental value of ORT is based on the highest level of charity identified by philosopher Moses Maimonides. If you give a man a fish you feed him for a day, but if you teach him how to fish, then you have given him food for life and the ability to live independently. This principle of teaching individuals to live independently has guided ORT since its inception in 1880.

ORT believes that training provides jobs skills for meaningful employment, which in turn, enable a life of dignity. In ORT’s early years, this principle was the key to the survival of Russian Jewry. With training came employment, escape from poverty, independence and dignity. Over the years, the occupations were often determined by the times, geography and social conditions where Jews lived.

ORT envisions that its students will become independent people, confident of their skills, proud of their priceless Jewish heritage, and secure in the knowledge that they have a meaningful role to play in life. ORT believes that education and technology are a path to self improvement. Due to the demand for ORT programs around the world, ORT continues to grow as it opens the doors of opportunity throughout the world. Both Jewish and secular communities are strengthened in those towns and cities in which ORT programs exist.

ORT’s principles are not limited to its students. ORT is committed to providing innovative teaching programs and professional training that ensure the future of successive generations and the continuity of the Jewish people. The cutting edge education acquired at ORT schools, colleges and international programs provide marketable skills that enable students to attain successful careers, become community leaders and live with dignity.

ORT’s global network educates individuals, impacts communities and improves the world.