College Readiness Program for Parents & Students
Empowering Iraqi American families to navigate the path to higher education with confidence, clarity, and cultural understanding.
Iraqi American students in Austin often face unique challenges as they prepare for college, first-generation barriers, unfamiliarity with the U.S. education system, language obstacles, and limited access to culturally informed guidance. Many parents want to support their children but may not know where to begin, especially if they did not attend college in the U.S.
How We’ll Get There
Shako Mako’s College Readiness Program bridges this gap by providing a culturally relevant, community-centered pathway that supports both students and parents in navigating academic planning, admissions, financial aid, and long-term career opportunities.
- Equip students with the knowledge, tools, and confidence needed to pursue higher education.
- Guide parents through the complexities of the U.S. college system so they can better support their children.
- Strengthen family communication around academic goals and long-term planning.
- Empower first-generation Iraqi American youth to access scholarships, financial aid, and leadership opportunities.
- Build a strong community network that supports academic success and educational advancement.
How the Program Works
1. Family College Readiness Workshops: Interactive workshops offered in English and Arabic, covering:
- Understanding the U.S. education system (high school credits, GPA, AP/Dual Credit).
- College types: certificates, community college, universities, technical programs.
- Choosing majors and career pathways.
- How to build a strong college résumé starting in 9th grade.
- Cultural expectations: balancing heritage, family values, and student independence.
These workshops ensure both students and parents have the same information and can support each other.
2. Parent Education Sessions (Arabic & Bilingual)
- Tailored specifically for Iraqi parents, including:
- How to support your child academically at each grade level.
- Understanding the admissions timeline.
- College application platforms (ApplyTexas, Common App) explained simply.
- Financial aid, FAFSA, TASFA, scholarships, and budget planning.
- How cultural values, safety concerns, and family expectations can be integrated into choosing a college.
- Q&A with Iraqi American professionals and college graduates.
These sessions create a supportive environment where parents feel comfortable asking questions and participating fully.
3. Student Academic & Career Planning Sessions
Youth-focused sessions that build confidence and clarity:
- Goal-setting and planning year-by-year (9th–12th grades).
- SAT/ACT preparation strategies and local resources.
- Essay-writing workshops and personal statement coaching.
- Building leadership through extracurriculars, volunteerism, and internships.
- Career exploration panels with Iraqi American professionals from various fields.
4. One-on-One College Guidance
Available for students who need personalized support:
- Reviewing transcripts, GPA, and course plans.
- Drafting and revising college essays.
- Scholarship application support.
- Step-by-step FAFSA assistance for families.
- Helping undecided students explore options.
5. Family Mentorship Pairing
Connect families with mentors who have successfully navigated the U.S. college system:
- Mentors include Iraqi American parents, graduates, and professionals.
- Provide cultural insights, emotional support, and practical guidance.
- Help families build confidence in decision-making.
6. College & University Visits
Organized visits to:
- University of Texas at Austin
- Austin Community College
- Texas State University
- Local technical colleges and training centers
These trips help families visualize what college life looks like and explore campuses together.
7. Workshops on Mental Health, Identity, and Transition
Because college readiness is not just academic:
- Navigating identity as Iraqi American students.
- Managing stress, pressure, and performance anxiety.
- Building resilience and self-advocacy skills.
- Talking with parents about independence and boundaries in a respectful, culturally sensitive way.
Short-Term Outcomes
- Increased understanding of the college application process across parents and students.
- Confidence and clarity in choosing academic paths and majors.
- Higher participation in SAT prep, scholarship searches, and leadership opportunities.
- Stronger parent-student communication about educational goals.
Long-Term Outcomes
- More Iraqi American students are enrolling in colleges and universities.
- Increased scholarship awards and reduced financial barriers.
- A growing network of first-generation Iraqi American graduates supporting the next generation.
- Stronger family engagement in academic success.
- A well-informed, empowered community navigating higher education with pride and unity.
