Mordechai Guri is the oldest of seven children. His father works for the Israel Aircraft Industries and his mother, a former teacher, is a homemaker. Education was an important value in the Guri home, and Mordechai excelled in his studies.

During the army, Mordechai served in an advanced computer unit and was determined to go to college after his discharge. However, he knew that the financial situation in his family was not easy. “I had already prepared myself for the fact that it would take me a few years longer than my peers to get my degree if I had to work, but I was ready to do this.”

During his first year studying computer science at Hebrew University in Jerusalem, Mordechai saw an ad on the Internet for the Atidim in Industry program. Mordechai was accepted to the program, which has truly turned his life around. “Atidim in Industry provides me with a full-tuition scholarship, a monthly living stipend, a laptop computer, and best of all, a company that has ‘adopted’ me.” Mordechai, who was adopted by IBM in Petach Tikvah, has a mentor from the company who assists him with his studies, invites him to company workshops, seminars and conferences, and serves as a role model for Mordechai.

“My mentor is the director of marketing for Europe,” says Mordechai. “Despite his
busy schedule, he always finds time for me. We go out to lunch every so often, talk on the phone, and he makes sure that I am present at the company events that are
important for my future.” Mordechai works for IBM during vacations and throughout the summer and upon graduating, he is guaranteed a job at the company.

“I can’t express my gratitude enough for Atidim. I feel so empowered by this program and by the confidence the people at Atidim and IBM have in me. My brother is now a soldier — I am going to make sure that he applies for Atidim so he will be on the right track for his future.”