English Access Microscholarship Program for Halabja

Priority Region: Halabaja Governorate (hereafter Halabja, though this should not be interpreted as restricting the program to the city of Halabja). 

Program Objectives:

The English Access Microscholarship Program for Halabja will provide a foundation of English language skills to priority students through after-school or weekend classes and intensive summer activities over a two-year period. Access Program students also gain an appreciation for American culture and democratic values, increase their ability to participate successfully in the socio-economic development of their countries, and gain the ability to compete for and participate in future U.S. Government-sponsored educational programs.

Participants and Audiences:

The target audience for this program is economically disadvantaged, demographically diverse, 13 to 16 year-old students residing in or within Halabja. 

Primary Goals:

•         English language acquisition

•         Learning about U.S. culture and values, including diversity and tolerance

•         Personal Development, including the development of critical thinking skills

•         Community Service, within a diverse cohort of youth

Secondary Goals:

•         Providing participants with English skills that may lead to better jobs and educational prospects

•         Enhancing participants’ abilities to compete for and participate in future exchanges and study in the United States