Ort UK launched a £9 million global campaign to provide education for Jewish students in the former Soviet Union at its London dinner on Monday.
The charity's chief executive, Adam Overlander-Kaye, said science, technology, engineering and maths teaching (Stem) "is one of the key building blocks for employment in the 21st century.
"It is through providing a first-rate science and technology education, as well as giving them the sustenance they need, that these young people can break out of the cycle of poverty."
The aim is to fund a Stem curriculum in 17 schools in countries including Russia, Ukraine, Lithuania and Moldova over the next four years.
"Many of the young people who will benefit are the first in generations in their families who can feel safe or proud about being Jewish," Mr Overlander-Kaye added.
Although the funding target was ambitious, "we plan on raising the money through individual donors and family trusts across the British and international community".
The dinner raised £450,000 towards curriculum planning, training teachers and building work.