Helping people achieve their American dream

Khaleel Shreet helps people like Nellie, who got an immediate raise at the landscaping company where she works when she finished her degree. And Dramane, who worked as a cleaner until he graduated — and now teaches middle-school French.

Shreet is director and senior coach at the New Hampshire Duet Program, a nonprofit which helps people enroll in and complete online degrees at Southern New Hampshire University.

“We meet them where they are,” says Shreet, “and get them where they need to be.” Shreet’s own story is an American Dream in-progress: Forced to leave war-ravaged Syria, he sought asylum in the United States. He pumped gas and worked fast-food jobs — and earned Master’s degrees in teaching English and in Organizational Leadership at SNHU. Now, he is finishing his doctorate.

Shreet’s cell phone is never off. A student might need something — the loan of a computer, advice on a project referral to a tutor — and needs can become barriers.

He never lets up because he understands the stakes.

“Through my education, I was able to transform my whole life,” he says. “I feel privileged to enjoy the life I have with my wife and daughter and I look forward to helping others reach their potential.”