By Katy Hurley
Saheli is proud to announce the conclusion of the College Readiness 
Program for South Asian Girls for the 2016-17 academic year. Eighteen young women ranging in age from eleven to nineteen years old participated in a total of four workshops that focused on college readiness and leadership development.
Using a curriculum developed by Gul Shamim, Project Coordinator, mentors worked with small groups and assisted them in identifying educational and career goals, obstacles, social support networks, and next steps to achieve goals. Students also participated in activities related to identifying academic strengths, completing college admissions applications, resume writing, finding community service opportunities, and developing strong relationships with teachers early in their academic careers.
In addition, five guest speakers – all young women from South Asian and immigrant backgrounds who attended area colleges — discussed their experiences in applying to college, applying for financial aid, attending college, and finding employment after graduation.
In April, the group will go on a college visit to UMass Boston.
Saheli is grateful to the volunteers who made these workshops possible, and to the Watertown Community Foundation for their generous support this year.
