HFEC student designs MindLift app, will serve as a U.S. Youth Ambassador

Header Algaraawi (pronounced “Hider Al-gore-ow-EE”), who attends Henry Ford Early College and will serve as a U.S. Youth Ambassador to Belize this summer, designed an app called MindLift at the Apple Foundation Program, which is designed to support mental health.

“I was able to develop MindLift, which is targeted toward helping people with their mental health by improving their physical health,” said Algaraawi, of Dearborn. “It recommends three daily exercises with different times and intensity levels.”

As part of his research to see what daily exercises might help, the top three included:

• 10-15 jumping jacks
• Jogging in place for one minute
• Walking for five minutes

“People tried these three out, and said they made them feel better afterward. I designed MindLift primarily for college students, but it can work for anyone. It can fit into anyone’s schedule, no matter how busy they are,” he explained. “It gives you a little bit of time to yourself, allowing you to breathe, move, and take your mind off things – even if just for a minute. You don’t have to work up a sweat. Doing this gets your blood moving, even if you just keep moving for 60 seconds.”

Creating a healthy coping mechanism -- at no charge

Algaraawi spoke about the impetus behind this app.

“I was hearing from my peers about how they felt stressed out and overwhelmed. I felt the same way,” he said. “There was really not much to turn to, except bad habits like eating junk food. Consider this an alternative to bad habits.”

Algaraawi wanted to make it clear that MindLift is not an alternative to therapy for those who have mental health challenges.

“This is no substitute for seeking out counseling if you need it,” he said. “This is just another healthy coping mechanism to have in your toolbox. It’s free. It helps. It’s effective.”

Once MindLift launches this fall, Algaraawi has no plans to take it to market.

“I don’t want money from this. The most unfortunate thing is when there is something that can help you, but you can’t access it because of factors you have no control over, such as money. I’m not doing this to get rich. I’m doing it to help broke college students like myself, the elderly, the underserved,” explained Algaraawi. “Mental health and exercise are connected and need to be prioritized. The point isn’t to do these exercises to burn calories, but to do something to de-stress and feel happier and less overwhelmed. It’ll change the way you feel and take some of the edge off, so you won’t be so overwhelmed.”

A true passion for helping people through technology

Born in Iraq, Algaraawi is the third of four children. His family moved to Dearborn when he was 2. His older brother, Ahmad, is studying business at HFC.

Algaraawi is fluent in English and Arabic. In late 2024, he earned his certification in app development from Apple. In 2026, Algaraawi will graduate from HFEC and earn his associate degree in computer information systems from HFC.

“I decided to come to the HFEC because I was always involved in robotics and coding clubs during elementary and middle school,” he recalled. “My counselor told me about HFEC, which would combine high school with college and would count toward an associate degree. I was very enthusiastic.”

At HFEC, Algaraawi is a member of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the National Honor Society, Student Council, and the Key Club. He is also involved with the Freshman Leadership Committee, mentoring new freshmen.

Algaraawi has recently applied to the Henry Ford II Honors Program. He has also been involved in his community through food drives, clothing drives, and park cleanups. He helped organize an initiative for women and children in need called Helping Hands. He and fellow volunteers made blankets, pillows, hygiene kits, and sandwiches. All the proceeds and supplies were donated to women’s shelters and nonprofit organizations across Metro Detroit.

“My true passion is to help people,” he said. “I enjoy volunteering for food and donation drives. That brings me joy. I want to implement my technology skills in a way that can help people.”

In the fall of 2026, Algaraawi plans to transfer to Eastern Michigan University. There, he will complete his bachelor's degree in computer science.

“What I’m doing at HFC is what I’ll continue doing at EMU – at a more advanced level,” he said. “Transferring from HFC to EMU is a smooth process.”

Algaraawi cited Dean of the HFC School of Business, Entrepreneurship, and Professional Development (BEPD) Dr. Patricia Chatman and HFC CIS instructor Dr. David Maier as two influential faculty members during his time at HFC.

“Header possesses all the qualities in a student you hope to see,” said Maier. “He’s passionate about his academics and his future. He’s motivated and engaged.”

“The faculty at HFC is outstanding. Everyone wants you to succeed,” said Algaraawi.

Representing the U.S. as a Youth Ambassador to Belize

This summer, Algaraawi is looking forward to serving as a U.S. Youth Ambassador in Belize. The U.S. Youth Ambassadors Program is a program run by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs in partnership with Georgetown University.

It brings together high school students and adult mentors from countries across the Americas to promote mutual understanding, increase leadership skills, and prepare youth to make a difference in their communities. The program aims to foster citizenship, fellowship, advocacy, and service on a global scale through leadership exchanges abroad in countries like Belize, Brazil, Argentina, Costa Rica, and Ecuador.

“This is a blessing and such an amazing opportunity!” he said. “I’ll get to meet with lawmakers and policymakers, and learn about the history of Belize. I’ll also visit schools and hospitals. You represent the best of the best, so you can show other countries what kind of students the United States is producing, as well as promoting foreign and diplomatic relations abroad.”

Designing MindLift elicited a lot of attention for Algaraawi. MindLift, his leadership, and his community service are the reasons the U.S. government invited him to be a U.S. Youth Ambassador.

“This means that I will not only represent HFC, but the entire U.S. as an ambassador abroad!” he said. “I am so grateful to be sharing this exiting news! I want to thank my parents who sacrificed so much for me and my siblings when we immigrated to the States. They managed many challenges on our behalf to make opportunities like this happen. None of this would have been possible without the support of my family and my professors here at HFC.”