The International Rescue Committee in Richmond’s Youth Team is already weeks into a fun and engaging summer! The IRC’s youth program works with youth and young adults to improve self-esteem, set future goals, and successfully navigate the transition to adulthood in the United States.  As the school year came to a close, the IRC team made sure to celebrate growth while also transitioning into summer support programs. 

The first week of May marked the end of the spring Youth Futures program. Youth Futures is an after-school leadership development program for refugee and immigrant teens. Students at Tucker High School and Hermitage High School were encouraged to reflect on what they learned during the spring semester, celebrate the connections they made, and then start thinking about college readiness. 

For slightly younger students, May saw the launch of a new 5-week after school program at Brookland Middle School focused on social emotional learning (SEL). With program goals of helping newcomer students build confidence, manage emotions, and form healthy relationships, students participated in skill-building and goal setting activities such as creating vision boards. At the end of the program, students will take a field trip to Surge Adventure Park to celebrate newfound friendships and self-confidence.  

Before officially kicking off the summer season, the Youth Team took time to celebrate all the achievements of our young students at the end of another school year. Our team is incredibly proud of the 62 students nominated for our 2025 School Celebration event. Students were nominated by their teachers for excellence in academics or good citizenship.  Students and their families came together with IRC staff and local teachers to celebrate these hardworking young people and enjoy dinner together as a community. The evening was a heartwarming example of a community coming together, including the 19 teachers who presented students with certificates of achievement, and Richmond City Mayor, Dr. Danny Avula, who, as a guest speaker, gave all our families a warm welcome.   

As summer programming began, a focus on college readiness continued as the major theme for weekly activities & field trips. June meant college tours for 23 young adults to the University of Richmond and another 35 to Christopher Newport University. These trips provided IRC youth with information about the universities’ history, academic programs, and provided them with a tour of campus and surrounding areas. Outings provided students with opportunities to learn more about college resources and programs, as well as speak to current college students about their experience. In addition, the IRC hosted workshops focused on college basics for teens and parents covering important topics like college applications, test taking, transfer programs, internet safety, and how to assess which college is the best fit.  

New this year, the IRC in Richmond started the Young Adult Networking Group, otherwise known as “YANG.” This group aims to provide a space for young adults between 18-24 to learn, socialize, help each other, and grow their social network. This group is actively recruiting young adults who could use this type of support. Any inquiries to join YANG or learn more about this program should be sent to Haley French at haley.french@rescue.org. 

Support from community partners enhances many of our IRC programs. This summer, we are partnering with the James River Parks System to support 41 youth for summer camp. Children and pre-teens enjoyed time outside at the James River with activities such as swimming, paddling, fishing, and making new friends.   

While children are out of school for the summer holiday, the IRC Youth Team is hard at work to provide resources and positive experiences to children and young adults of all ages. Through a robust series of programming, they empower young people to take charge of their futures while forming meaningful relationships with their peers.