Roadmap to Youth Success: IRC Program Services Overview
Roadmap to Youth Success: IRC Program Services Overview
Photo: Connor/IRC intern

IRC’s youth & education program supported over 500 students last year and is one of the largest programs in the Silver Spring office. IRC staff and dedicated volunteers provide casework, tutoring, mentorship and summer programming to youth from ages zero to 24. Holistic youth & education services support academic, linguistic and social-emotional skills to children as well as supportive services to parents. Despite the newcomers’ broad range of backgrounds, languages and life experiences, all are adjusting to a new place, building connections with one another as they grow up and envision a future in the U.S. 

Infancy through Elementary School 

After a newcomer family arrives in the U.S., the IRC enrolls the children in local schools, ensuring a student’s essential access to education. Then, caseworkers develop service plans to achieve client goals, connect students to English-language programs and help parents to navigate the public-school setting.  

In March, the youth program collaborated with the National Aquarium in Baltimore and their Community Connections Team to organize a complimentary trip, lunch and scavenger hunt for 30 students. After the trip, students felt more confident speaking with their peers and better connected to their cohort. 

Elementary & Middle School 

As they grow older, newcomers in elementary and middle school may be enrolled in tutoring. This Spring, 14 students participate in weekly after-school tutoring sessions supported by volunteers to practice English, receive homework support and participate in cross-cultural enrichment. Tutors are essential to the program, identifying ways to support students by approaching them where they are individually.  

One spring tutor observed that his student was shy and hesitant to make mistakes in English. After learning about her interest in animals, he incorporated National Geographic Kids materials and visual vocabulary activities into the sessions, practicing adjectives, colors and verbs in English and her native language. Tying in animals made the content engaging and fun while building confidence in speaking and reading. 

High School & Beyond 

As newcomers enter or graduate high school, they have the opportunity to be matched for three months with volunteer mentors to explore post-graduate pathways, learn financial literacy skills and work on professional goal setting. The mentorship program also includes two to three field trips every term. 

In April, the cohort attended field trips to the University of Maryland, College Park and George Washington University (GWU) to explore the campus and better understand higher education opportunities. At GWU, newcomers even joined university volunteers with the Refugee Educational Advancement Lab for a Q&A panel and career fair. 

Alexandra, a Youth Success Specialist, shared the feedback of one student who said “[field trips with the IRC are the] one place [she] can feel like [herself], where not everyone speaks English.”

Summer Academy – Now Recruiting Volunteers 

This Summer, the youth team will coordinate an annual summer academy for middle and high school newcomers. In one month, students participate in English courses, enjoy sports and games during recess and choose from daily electives including science experiments and creative projects. With over 69 volunteers supporting the youth team this Spring, volunteers are essential to the execution of this enrichment experience for young newcomers, providing specialized support and ensuring that clients can identify the steps needed to actualize their future in the U.S. Learn more here.