College and career readiness for all at
Mindful Awareness Academy for Children
(MAAC)
Holistic college and career readiness programming for students, incorporating mindfulness, social and emotional wellness, and community engagement
About MAAC
Mindful Awareness Academy for Children (MAAC) was created to provide a safe and nurturing environment where students can grow, heal, and prepare for their future. MAAC’s holistic college and career readiness programming combines mindfulness, social and emotional wellness, and community engagement to improve academic achievement and prepare students for success in higher education and careers.
MAAC stands out from other college readiness programs by aiming to help our communities’ most vulnerable students, especially those who have been held back from opportunities as a result of their ethnicity, poverty, homelessness, displacement, or other challenges.
College and Career Readiness
At MAAC, we prepare scholars for both college and career success by meeting them at their starting point, identifying their needs and interests, and guiding them step-by-step toward their personal and professional goals. Our dedicated staff provide individualized attention and support that ensures scholars are equipped with the knowledge and tools to succeed.
Social and Emotional Wellness
MAAC’s focus on social and emotional wellness addresses these key drivers to overall success and well-being. Our skilled and caring staff meet each scholar where they are, giving them a space to feel heard and supported.
Mindfulness
MAAC programming includes a mindfulness component to help scholars manage stress and anxiety, improve their focus, increase resilience, build healthy relationships, and make good decisions.
Community Engagement
MAAC Villagers, our ever-growing consortium of leaders from the business and academic communities, support MAAC scholars by sharing their own stories and providing valuable guidance for personal growth, college and career exploration, civic responsibility, and making a positive impact.
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Lulu Kashiwabara:
Navigating College with Purpose
"I chose to go to MSU because of its incredible theater program. From plays to musicals to devised (scriptless) work, the possibilities seemed endless. There's also such racial and cultural diversity at MSU, which was refreshing in comparison to my predominantly white high school.
Feeling represented and included at school was vital for me, and I thought that MSU would give me that sense of belonging as a Hispanic-serving institution with a majority BIPOC population. When I went on a campus tour in 2022, I could really see myself there—I loved the layout of the school, and how it had a very "classic" campus feel to it. It was also a giant plus that a ton of my family members were in NJ, and if there were any emergency situations, I could call one of them to help me.
Fast forward: I'm really glad I left MSU! Although I met some of my closest friends there and got an incredible 1.5 years of acting training, the overall environment wasn't for me. As an out-of-state student, it was really hard to build friendships with others, since most people were from NJ or surrounding states, and came to college with their high school friend group. I didn't have a car and the campus train didn't run on weekends, which made it almost impossible for me to go places during my downtime.
So, I spent most of my free time on campus, and felt very trapped. Because of all these factors, my mental health declined. I felt isolated, out of place, and depressed. Leaving was my step towards happiness, and I don't regret taking that step at all.
Since getting home and working on re-applying to colleges, I've had amazing opportunities fall into my lap. I auditioned for Groundhog Day: The Musical at a local theater in January to get myself back into the PDX (Portland) theater scene. I didn't put too much pressure on myself, and just viewed it as a learning opportunity. Unexpectedly, I ended up booking the job and getting a great role! I also joined Latinx Choral Project, a group for Latino singers to build community and make music in a space where people share cultural identity. For decades, the choral industry has been overwhelmingly white, and only now are BIPOC singers starting to get a bit more recognition in that space.
The LCP is such a stepping stone in that regard, and is bringing such richness, diversity, and unique culture to the PDX choral sphere. If I had gone back to MSU, I wouldn't have been able to sing with this amazing group.
Yes, I do plan on returning to college this fall! I've been working on my prescreen materials. These are the videos that actors submit when they apply for a college-level BFA program, consisting of songs, monologues, answers to written prompts, and dance numbers. Then, I plan to focus my energy on the essay portion of the college applications, and get all the advice I can.
This month, I'm attending Unifieds, a national audition for BFA programs, in NYC, so I can do in-person auditions for Marymount Manhattan, Manhattan School of Music, and other universities. I aim to be committed to a BFA musical theater or acting program by the fall.
My advice to high school students? TAKE YOUR TIME! There's no rush to decide on college right now. Take a gap year if that suits you; really figure out what you want. Just because others around you are committing to Ivy Leagues or other high-caliber schools doesn't mean that you need to be putting all this pressure on yourself. Taking your time will pay off, truly.
Also, it's okay to take a "non-traditional" path and/or shift gears in terms of education. If you have a gut feeling that someplace isn't for you, trust that.
Don't feel pressured to keep doing what you're doing if it doesn't feel right. If you’re already in college, use this time to really figure out what you want out of life and your school experience. If you're finding that purpose at your current school, keep seeking that! But, if you're not feeling that at your school, look into other things! This doesn't have to mean another school. It could be other friends, another job, another major! Whatever will make you feel fulfilled and be the best version of yourself.
You deserve to be happy, no matter what. Never forget that! "
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Our Impact
Whether it’s helping displaced youth find stability or guiding students toward achieving personal milestones, our work speaks for itself.
80%
of scholars continue learned wellness strategies
1000+
students served
98
of graduates go on to college
Our MAAC scholars have gone on to these colleges and universities
American University
Columbia
Davidson
Delaware State
Drexel
Emerson
Essex County College
Felician
Fordham
Guilford
Howard
Lincoln Tech
Marist
Montclair State
Naval Academy
Northern Illinois
Penn State
Princeton
Rutgers
School of Visual Arts, NYC
Seton Hall
Spelman
St. Elizabeth
SUNY Binghamton
Syracuse
Temple University
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
University of Pennsylvania
William Paterson University
WHAT STUDENTS SAY
Keannah
“I am now a college freshman with a clear mind and dedicated to my purpose.”
WHAT STUDENTS SAY
Blake
“Without MAAC, I would have never been given the inspiration to consider a new career path after high school.”
WHAT STUDENTS SAY
Lydia
“...during mindfulness discussions, it was normalized that you will face some uncomfortable moments to grow, which I think has encouraged me to try new things like welding...”
WHAT STUDENTS SAY
Devin
“MAAC was a part of my success. It put me ahead of the game. When I returned to school in September, I felt more prepared than most.”
WHAT STUDENTS SAY
Cassidy
“MAAC has helped me grow in so many aspects of my life.”
Summer College Readiness Boot Camp
After-School Program
HESAA/FAFSA workshops
College Day events
Community events
Partnerships with local and state organizations
School partnerships
Community engagement speakers
Virtual tutoring
Refugee assistance
Resource connections
…and more!
MAAC has served scholars through its
Program$
Offerings include FAFSA, HESAA, scholarship and grant exploration, and financial literacy.
Free Mentoring
We connect college students with resources including networking opportunities, health and wellness, goal-setting, study skills, internships, and more.
Summer Boot Camp
MAAC’s flagship summer college readiness program for rising high school seniors offers 2- to 4-week sessions.
After-School Program
Our tailored 4-year program guides high school scholars through their personal and academic growth journey.
MAAC became one of those opportunities that was hard for me to accept because of life being thrown at me, in addition to the distresses that caused me to be anxious about the future instead of present about my goals. MAAC is exactly where I needed to be, and so I met Ms. Andrea, and her lovely spirit of trust and temperament opened my mind to stay there. Guess what? I didn't want to leave when the course was ending. I was shocked at the staff who were like family, and the college guests who were just as mindful as Ms. Andrea. And I needed that--someone who was present and honest to help. I got aid mentally, physically, and wisely! They'd ask me if I needed anything more, and just like that, they made it happen where someone from my dream college visited me. We talked about all my worries, and I am now a college freshman with a clear mind and dedicated to my purpose. I am passionate about who I want to become: a midwife. Thank you MAAC family!
Community Engagement
Our inspirational and motivational speakers engage on a variety of subjects, including:
-
Financial literacy
-
Career choices
-
Emotional health and wellness
-
Academic support
-
Resilience and personal growth
-
and many more!
We work with your budget and needs. Click here for more information.
Community Engagement
Our inspirational and motivational speakers engage on a variety of subjects, including:
-
Financial literacy
-
Career choices
-
Emotional health and wellness
-
Academic support
-
Resilience and personal growth
-
and many more!
We work with your budget and needs. Click here for more information.