SOLA's goal is to prepare the very best Afghan students for study in the U.S. and abroad so that they may return home to become future leaders of Afghanistan.

    SOLA places special emphasis on creating the conditions for ambitious young women to pursue their studies. It provides a dorm free of charge as well as transportation. SOLA was founded in 2008 by Ted Achilles, who ran the Afghan Division of American Councils for International Education for 4 of his 8 years in Afghanistan. Ongoing supporters focused on creating peace and understanding across cultures include Orchard Park Schools Educational Outreach in NY, Friends of Afghanistan (300 returned Afghan Peace Corps volunteers), and the Afghan Women’s Writing Project and Masha Hamilton. 

    Classes are held at SOLA—Kabul in English language and math. Discussion groups and seminars are part of an ongoing effort to improve verbal and written communication skills. SOLA’s in-house instructors include Afghan experts as well as visiting scholars from the U.S. and Canada. In addition, an online writing course is taught by well-known American writers. High school math is being taught in partnership with St. George’s and St. Paul's schools in the United States.

    Leadership — Leadership training is a key element in SOLA’s mission. Students are expected, as members of the SOLA “family,” to demonstrate the talent and discipline that they would need as future leaders of Afghanistan. Each student is coached in leadership training. They are challenged, given significant responsibilities, and held to high standards, all within a context that reflects vision, values teamwork, and is mindful of cultural context. 

    Afghanistan — Why would any bright young Afghan, receiving a degree from a well-known U.S. university return to Afghanistan? The answer is clear: loyalty to their country and a commitment to family. The connection to Afghanistan is strong. SOLA students are motivated to improve the welfare of the Afghan people. They are determined to make a difference.

    Placing returned graduates in leadership positions in Afghanistan is an essential component of SOLA’s mission. Through established connections and SOLA's reputation in Afghanistan, the doors to leadership positions are open to these highly capable students.

    The future of Afghanistan lies in its leadership. SOLA is working to create those leaders. They are the hope for an educated, progressive and prosperous future. They are being imbued with a sense of service and commitment to their people. They will come home to prosper in every sense of the word —as Afghanistan's leaders in both the private and public sectors.