Why the Iraqi Student Project?

In ancient, medieval and modern times the peoples of Iraq — also called Mesopotamia — have pursued learning in diverse areas of study. Even during the isolation Iraqis experienced because of the sanctions from 1990 until 2003, the colleges and universities of Iraq struggled to maintain excellence. Now, however, after invasion, occupation and continuing violence, studies at the undergraduate level in Iraq have become nearly impossible. Iraqis who have become refugees usually have little access to higher learning.

Our Vision and Mission

The ISP looks forward to and hopes to help realize a day when Iraq's tradition of leadership in higher education will again flourish. Until this day comes, The Iraqi Student Project (ISP) seeks to facilitate undergraduate education for students, presently living in Iraq and those who have had to take flight and who are unable to pursue their education in Iraq or neighboring countries at the present time. To this end, we propose:

1. To seek tuition waivers from US colleges and universities for qualified young men and women, including students who grew up in Iraq but do not have Iraqi citizenship.
2. To work in partnership with Iraqis in Iraq, Jordan and Syria, who will assist us to impartially identify, screen, test and recommend students. Students will be recommended for study in the US based on their academic records, language abilities, economic need and likelihood of success. Prospective applicants will be recommended without regard to gender, religion, ethnicity, or political affiliation.
3. To identify and assist leaders to form support groups around each student. These groups will usually be organized from some existing institution in the neighborhood of the college or university: e.g. religious, community or campus organization. These support groups will attend to each student's needs for board, room, books, transportation and such, as well as friendship and emotional and psychological support. Each support group will work initially with the college admissions department to gather the documents needed for the student's visa application.
4. To operate responsibly at all times. ISP will act in accordance with all requirements of United States law and the student visa process, and additionally, will cooperate with the personnel of the US Department of State and other relevant government officials.

We hope to offer much-needed skills and expertise to men and women who will, in Iraq or elsewhere, contribute to the future of Iraq; to help heal a few of the wounds inflicted in recent years on Iraqi society; and to provide Americans with the opportunity to know and interact with young people from Iraq. In the long term, the colleges and universities of Iraq must be restored, but the immediate need is to strengthen, even by such modest efforts as this, the present generation of students.

Goals for the First Year

1. Secure at least 20 placements for these students at US colleges and universities willing to offer tuition waivers for undergraduate study beginning in the fall of 2008 and continuing until graduation.
2. Form local support groups for each student; provide oversight, coordination and resources for these support groups.
3. Identify without bias or favoritism capable students who have lived most of their lives in Iraq for each tuition waiver available and help these students through the visa process.