The ORT-YESOD-FABLAB, located within the YESOD Jewish Cultural Center in St. Petersburg, has been a dynamic educational space for over 16 years. In 2025, it will begin its transformation into a full-scale Resource and Methodological Development Center, designed to support students, educators, and community members locally and across the wider ORT Russia network. With a projected reach of over 500 local participants and 4,500+ across the country, the Center will focus on artificial intelligence, digital creativity, and the development of innovative teaching practices.

This initiative addresses several pressing needs: heavy curriculum loads in Jewish schools due to additional subjects of Hebrew and Jewish Studies and History, and a lack of centralized resources for Jewish educational institutions. The Center will act as a collaborative hub where learners of all ages can engage with emerging technologies and contribute to the shared advancement of educational innovation.

The Center offers accessible, hands-on learning experiences for diverse age groups. Children aged 8–12 will explore basic programming and AI concepts through gamified tools like Scratch. Teenagers will dive deeper into data visualization, app development, and AI ethics.

Educators will be trained in using AI to support and personalize teaching methods, while parents and adult learners will gain tools for digital literacy and practical applications of AI in everyday life. Seniors will benefit from simplified workshops that introduce technologies like smart home systems and health-monitoring apps.

At the core of the center's work is the integration of artificial intelligence into Jewish education. Through clubs, workshops, and interdisciplinary projects, students will co-create educational tools, conduct applied research, and develop practical solutions using AI and digital technologies.

For teachers, the Center will offer masterclasses, peer-to-peer mentorship, and access to methodical resources. The aim is to develop a network of educators capable of leading their schools into the next generation of digital pedagogy. Community engagement will also play a key role, with family-focused workshops and outreach events designed to break down technological barriers and promote digital inclusion.

The ORT-YESOD-FABLAB will undergo infrastructure upgrades, including the installation of an in-house AI server, expanded computer labs, and new prototyping tools. Pilot programs will be launched across all age groups, refined through feedback, and scaled based on their success.

A team of leading educators and technical specialists will guide the development of content and teacher training models, ensuring the Center’s resources can be shared across ORT schools in other Russian cities. The long-term goal is for YESOD to become a national hub for AI education and methodological development within the ORT Russia network.

The first phase (2025–2027) focuses on training staff, developing pilot programs, and upgrading facilities. The second phase (2027–2030) will see the full rollout of programs to broader audiences and ORT schools, supported by continuous improvement and data-driven refinement.