The Graduate School of Education and Human Development will now offer a master’s degree program in Israel education, according to a University release issued last week.

The release states that GW will be the first major university in the United States to offer the two-year, part-time master’s program that will tie together groups of “Jewish educators, leaders and changemakers” who will examine Israel’s politics, culture and geography to develop “educational experiences.” The Marcus Foundation – an organization dedicated to promoting sustainability – donated $2.7 million to fund the program, according to the release.

The program will use “vision-based learning” and a “practical” educational plan that will focus on Israel’s role in Jewish life, the release states. The University was able to offer the program through a partnership with the iCenter for Israel Education – a group partnered with GW and 13 other academic institutions, according to the release.

“This new master’s program is a significant advancement in the preparation of education professionals working to promote deepened knowledge of Israel,” GSEHD Dean Michael Feuer said in the release. “We are grateful to the Marcus Foundation and The iCenter for the unique opportunity they have afforded us and the diverse community of scholars and practitioners who will benefit from this extraordinary program.”