The Parasol Foundation and SpaceIL are launching a joint initiative, Parasol Foundation Women in SpaceIL, to create new opportunities and empower women in the space industry. The Initiative will dedicate scholarships to female engineering students and graduates in a total sum of 1.5 million NIS.
In addition, Ruth Parasol and the Parasol Foundation are further contributing 6.5 million NIS and joining the distinguished group of donors to the Beresheet2 2024 moon mission.
The Parasol Foundation Women in SpaceIL Initiative will work to advance women’s participation in space programs. Female graduates of relevant fields of engineering will be recruited to take part in the development of the Beresheet2 spacecraft and receive scholarships to further their research. The Initiative also includes a study project analyzing the gender gap in space research and engineering in Israel. The findings of the study will be published widely to encourage international progress.
Female engineers and scientists are invited to visit the program’s page on the SpaceIL website for further information on criteria and for applying for the program.
This pioneering STEM project is an integral part of Ruth Parasol and The Parasol Foundation’s wider effort of empowering next-generation females to study STEM and choose careers in space, along with other fields of science, technology, and health.
The Parasol Foundation, which was among the contributors to the Beresheet1 2019 moon mission, will also be joining the Beresheet2 group of donors contributing financially to the Beresheet2 2024 moon mission. This new contribution follows the impressive $70 million fundraising announced by the association earlier this year, which was jointly provided by Patrick Drahi, Morris Kahn and Martin Moshal in support of the mission.
Ruth Parasol, of the Parasol Foundation, said: “I’m thrilled to be working with SpaceIL to open up new opportunities for talented women to contribute to global space advancements and get involved in Israel’s space endeavors. We’re offering fellowships to empower and inspire women to achieve their potential and, with our Parasol Foundation Women in SpaceIL Initiative, we’re aiming to create a lasting legacy.”
Shimon Sarid, CEO of SpaceIL, said: “We are delighted to have Ruth Parasol and the Parasol Foundation’s ongoing support for the Beresheet project and excited to have them on board Beresheet2. The collaboration for the inclusion of women in the Israeli space industry is crucial. We adopted this inclusive approach in the Beresheet1 mission which contributed greatly to its execution and success.”
The Parasol Foundation Trust is funded and supported by its Principal Benefactress, Ruth Parasol, who gives much of her money and time to its vision and grant making decisions. Established in Gibraltar in 2004, the trust has given over £30,000,000 for health, heritage, and education grants in Gibraltar, the UK, Israel, India, the US, Spain, and elsewhere.