Originally from Cote d'Ivoire, Adama arrived in the US less than six years ago. He attended the Refugee Youth Summer Academy (RYSA) and then enrolled into 9th grade at Brooklyn International High School. He and his mom participated in the Academic Coaching program, and a few years later, Adama became a "Leader in Training" - including working as a Peer Mentor at RYSA in 2014 and 2015. Meanwhile, he honed his artistry. When he graduated high school in 2015, he enrolled at the Borough of Manhattan Community College studying liberal arts, playing soccer, and painting. 

The Leaders in Training program for high school upperclassmen met with IRC supporter Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer at their New York offices.

Refugee students are well-equipped to start school this fall thanks to generous donations of backpacks and school supplies from local businesses and community groups.

Refugee and immigrant youth share their stories through public speaking engagements, events, and now a semi-permanent display at the San Diego International Airport in partnership with High Tech High.

Idahoans RISE to the challenge during Idaho Gives

RYSA 2020 charts new waters in virtual programming for newly arrived youth.

Learning Hubs have provided a supportive environment for refugee students with beginners English to find one-on-one time with educators and continue to maintain progress academically during the school year.

Moza arrived in the United States with her family when she was just 13 years old after fleeing ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Now aged 20, Moza is studying to become a nurse practitioner and working to empower her community to access healthcare.

Determined to keep their students engaged in gardening throughout the pandemic, our Youth Futures AmeriCorps Associate, Michel Osta, and FoodCorps Service Member, Meggie Stewart, created the Home Garden Challenge!