Mentoring refugee youth in their aspirations toward higher education

Cultural barriers and limited academic resources often keep qualified refugee youth from seeking higher education. COAR's Reaching Higher College Prep Program pairs refugee youth is with a community mentor for a series of practical workshops on higher education topics, helping them to translate their strengths, skills and experiences into powerful tools to shape their future.

“Bendu and Albert are two of the most inspiring people I’ve ever met. The significance they place on education not just as a personal improvement but even as a civic duty and a way to contribute to society really strengthened my commitment to my own education. I really value the friendship that we developed.”

-Arianne Peterson, Reaching Higher Mentor

Unfamiliarity with the US education system, limited networks and economic resources, keep deserving refugee youth from their opportunities to advance their education. In addition, institutions of higher education miss out on the unique cultural, intellectual and personal contributions that this diverse and resilient population has to offer. Reaching Higher provides refugees with the tools necessary to graduate high school and enter college. 

We are pleased to announce the support of the Jaburg & Wilk Foundation and the Eloisa Diaz Educational Foundation! By providing for program costs and scholarships for Reaching Higher Scholars, they are making higher education a reality for refugee youth.