Crossing a makeshift log bridge to make it through the final leg of the hike scrambling over boulders and rocks to reach Doughnut Falls stood out as a highlight to Jess Hudson and Saige Palsson, members of the International Rescue Committee in Salt Lake City’s education team. Jess had worked through May and June to organize the hike for a group of refugee youth and young adults participating in the IRC’s College & Career Readiness and Success Coaching Program. In total, seven young adults plus young siblings and parents joined Jess, Saige and volunteers for a day in the Wasatch Mountains.  

Jess, college & career readiness coordinator, has led the effort to develop a holistic program aimed at supporting educational, social-emotional and life skill development for refugee youth at a critical point in their life. College & Career Readiness services at the IRC offer one-on-one support and group activities to all newly arrived youth between the ages of 15-19. Those enrolled who express additional need are encouraged to enroll in the Success Coaching & Mentoring supports, set SMART goals and work with a community mentor for nine months to make progress on their goals. All participants are welcome to join regular group activities—from building digital and financial literacy skills to enjoying a day outside focused on fun.  

“The group experiences are important to help participants meet others in the program, to connect on shared interests & those with similar stories,” Jess explained. “Many youth want more friendships and social connections. The group activities also help the IRC get to know clients on an individual basis & build stronger programming.”  

For many refugee youth arriving to the U.S., the chance to have fun is often on the backburner as they face navigating new systems, building social connections through cultural and language barriers, and often becoming the informal interpreter for parents who have fewer opportunities for formal language acquisition.  

Saige, acting education program manager, reflected that many of the teenagers face unseen pressures, but the hike helped participants relax and enjoy the moment: “It was fun to see two teenage boys who didn’t share a language be buddies on the trail. One is very reserved and often assumes a caretaker role at home, but he let loose with his new friends—exploring, scrambling over rocks, and just embodying ‘teenage-boy energy.’ So great to see them relax from the stressors of their day-to-day!” 

Gray rock face in background and a pile of jagged boulders in the foreground, seven participants in the image in various poses climbing down the rocky mountainside.
To reach Doughnut Falls, the group had to scramble over rocks and boulders, enjoying the fun of reaching their goal.
Photo: James Roh

For the education team, events like this hike are far and few between. The program is focused on helping youth and their families prepare for next steps, whether it is planning for secondary education or the first steps of their career. Life skill building takes the lead, but moments of exploring identity, social-emotional learning, and building community are equally important.  

“More support for programs like these would deepen and expand opportunities [for refugee youth]. Volunteers get involved as mentors to have a direct impact on the lives of teenagers and young adults. This is a really vulnerable population, but they have a lot of potential for growth and to make a positive impact,” Saige noted.

Wasatch Range backgound with blue skies and tall pine trees, group walks along an established path facing away from the camera as the trail bends.
Seven refugee youth, their family members, and IRC staff plus volunteers enjoyed a day hike to Doughnut Falls as part of the IRC's College & Career Readiness program.
Photo: James Roh

The IRC in Salt Lake City’s College & Career Readiness programming is supported with generous contributions from the Cotopaxi Foundation as well as federal funds focused on refugee youth mentorship offered by the Office of Refugee Resettlement. We are deeply grateful to Cotopaxi for their ongoing partnership, including donating backpacks to equip participants on their hike and encouraging Cotopaxi team members to sign up as volunteers! 

You can join the efforts of the IRC in Salt Lake City’s education program by becoming a Youth Mentor or Student Support Volunteer. Additional partnership efforts are welcome, from sponsoring activities to offering engaging educational resources. To learn more about partnership opportunities, reach us at [email protected].