JumpStart International

JumpStart International local and headquarter staff toured the Community College of Applied Science and Technology (CCAST) and met with staff and students in an effort to further strengthen our partnership for the construction of Gaza Polytechnic Institute.

The goal of the project is to construct Gaza Polytechnic Institute’s buildings and campus facilities, including the existing buildings from a former school on the site, and to provide employment opportunities for local people.

CCAST, a private institution which opened its doors in 1998, is now one of the largest community colleges in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and is one of the pioneering technical colleges locally and regionally and is seeking to build and expand regional and international relationships with accredited institutions. CCAST offers a supportive environment for technical and applied education qualifying graduates with skills needed today to perform a positive role in building and developing the Palestinian society. The staff is deep-rooted in the community and plays a great role in social and economic development in the Gaza Strip. Current fields of study include in technical engineering, computer and information technology, administration and financial science, health and rehabilitation sciences, and academic studies. So far, the school has awarded diplomas to more than 2,500 students and currently enrolls over 4,500 students.

CCAST will form curriculum and engineering committees to determine the Institute’s appropriate fields of study and curriculum, and to begin the architectural design for the facilities. Upon completion of construction, the administration and operation of Gaza Polytechnic Institute will be turned over to CCAST.

In cooperation with CCAST, JumpStart will strive to support the curriculum and foster partnership with similar educational institutions in North America assuring Gaza Polytechnic Institute is recognized internationally. JumpStart will also engage in partnerships with local and global foundations and companies to support the development of the campus and create opportunities for ongoing cooperative education.