The Mandel Center for Leadership in the Negev aims to improve the quality of life in the Negev by developing strong and vibrant social and educational leadership founded on vision, values, and expertise, which will lead practical initiatives and bring positive change to the region. The Center’s fellows are Negev residents from diverse professional fields, localities, and social backgrounds, who have demonstrated a commitment to improving life in the Negev and have the potential to achieve real social impact.

The Center offers two types of programs: regional programs and theme-based programs. Regional leadership programs bring together local leaders from different sectors and professions who live in the same region and empower them to take on leadership roles in public service and civil society and to enhance education, welfare, health, and community life in the entire region. Every two years a different region is selected, alternating between the Jewish and Arab- Bedouin sectors. Theme-based programs train leaders from across the entire Negev who wish to promote a specific field and thereby impact life in the Negev. The Center’s current theme-based program focuses on culture.

All programs share a core curriculum, with additional elements tailored to the specific needs of the region or theme. Theoretical studies include philosophy, identity, and worldviews; Negev society; public policy and governance; and leadership and leading change. The programs also include a practical component, in which fellows develop initiatives through which they can realize their vision for improving Negev life. Implementation begins during the program itself, guided by the Center’s faculty and specialists in the field.

The Center’s graduates share a common understanding of leadership and desire to drive change, and work together as part of a broad and diverse community of Mandel Negev graduates who are creating bridges between different localities, population groups, and professional fields for the benefit of all Negev residents.