Staff at the IRC in Silver Spring work to address the unique barriers faced by refugee students, while providing educators with the skills and knowledge to set youth up for academic success.

We provide many opportunities to get involved and send a message of hope to refugees in our community.

In September, IRC staff members—some former refugees—met with Senator Mike Lee’s office to share their experiences helping to educate on the benefits of a strong refugee resettlement program in the U.S.

This International Rescue Committee paper analyzes refugee experiences moving into higher skill, higher wage jobs.

As part of the International Rescue Committee’s national Refugee Voices initiative, New American Voices in Salt Lake City encourages refugees and other New Americans to learn more about civic engagement, advocacy, and preparing for national events like the Census and the 2020 election.

With your support, the IRC in San Diego was able to provide $15,000 in scholarship awards to 15 refugee youth. The Refugee Youth Scholarship Fund gives recent high school graduates the opportunity to access higher education.

On Saturday, June 19 the IRC in Tallahassee celebrated World Refugee Day. The IRC hosted a live virtual panel discussion with community partners, refugee families and the Tallahassee community at-large. In addition, the IRC hosted a family day at Tom Brown Park. The events highlighted the contributions of the refugee community across Big Bend communities.

The International Rescue Committee in New York and New Jersey, St Urban Concerts, and renown Syrian clarinetist and composer Kinan Azmeh are pleased to announce a partnership to support the Refugee Youth Summer Academy in Elizabeth, New Jersey. This summer program provides a supportive and healing environment that helps refugee children overcome the trauma of forced migration. Through educational, recreational, and social activities, students improve their English language skills and their confidence, enabling them to assimilate in their new communities and become engaged citizens. St Urban and Kinan Azmeh will donate 50% of the sales of the album Songs For Days To Come, Vol. 1 to help 70 refugee youth participate in the summer academy. 

"I tell my story because it's part of the American story, it's part of the American dream." Refugee storytellers move audience of 100 to advocate in support of the GRACE Act.