Refugee Youth Summer Academy in Full Swing!

The classrooms lining the fifth floor of the Bushwick Campus are full, but studious, during mornings at the IRC Refugee Youth Summer Academy, where over 115 students concentrate on math equations or English language. Hailing from countries such as Burma, Guinea, Haiti, Iraq, Liberia, Nepal and Tibet, these eager young refugees are entering their fourth week of classes, and their academics are already showing signs of improvement. 
 
Afternoons are all about creative arts and recreational activities and the Academy really comes to life with singing, dancing and acting classes, as well as sports or other community oriented activities.
 
Fridays are all day field trips - a chance to take advantage of New York's many cultural and education opportunities and have fun. So far, students have gone bowling, traveled to Rockaway Beach and visited Governor's Island. Moments after arriving at the beach, a young boy from China exclaimed "I don't want to leave!"
 
The Refugee Youth Summer Academy prepares refugee children and youth to succeed in New York City Schools through a supportive and creative learning community. For many students, the IRC Summer Academy is their first experience in an American education program.