The Academic Preparatory Program (APP) at the American University of Iraq, Sulaimani (AUIS) joined forces with Amideast Iraq on Thursday to deliver a leadership workshop for participants of the U.S. State Department Access Program — Halabja, marking a meaningful milestone in cross-cultural educational collaboration in the Kurdistan Region.

The workshop brought together more than 70 students between the ages of 14 and 17, all enrolled in the U.S. State Department's Access Program, a globally recognized initiative designed to provide English language instruction and leadership development to promising young learners from underserved communities. The session served as one of the program's final activities for the 2025–2026 academic year.

Facilitated by APP Department, the interactive workshops introduced participants to the foundational principles of leadership, drawing on American educational values to guide young learners in understanding what it means to be a leader and an engaged, positive citizen. Activities were carefully designed to help students apply their developing language skills as practical tools for leadership and civic participation.

The event was co-held under the direction of Mr. Zack Bazzi, Country Director for Amideast Iraq, who currently oversees the organization's major partnerships and programs across the country. He was joined by Mr. Safin Mohammed, English Language Program and Training Coordinator, along with a team of seven English instructors who supported the day's sessions.The partnership between APP and Amideast Iraq reflects a shared commitment to empowering the next generation of Iraqi youth through language, leadership, and internationally informed education — and signals the potential for continued collaboration in the years ahead.

The APP, directed by Zimkitha Mpatheni, is an accredited Academic English program operating within AUIS. The program is designed to cultivate strong English language proficiency, critical thinking, and the academic foundations associated with American-style higher education and skills that  extend beyond the university walls through initiatives such as this.