We are happy to announce that Every Campus A Refuge (ECAR) is joining forces with the U.S. Department of State’s Welcome Corps on an inspiring new initiative: Welcome Corps on Campus. This historic opportunity broadens ECAR’s mission of extending refuge to displaced individuals on college and university campuses through an education pathway.
The global displacement crisis continues to skyrocket, forcing refugee students to flee their homes and delay their dreams. The Welcome Corps on Campus renews that opportunity for refugee students to pursue a higher education degree on their pathway to citizenship and receive a warm welcome on U.S. campuses nationwide. Together, campus sponsors help refugee students as they earn a degree and adjust to life in America on- and off-campus.
Welcome Corps on Campus is a unique opportunity for colleges and universities to play a central role in the resettlement of refugee students who will continue their education and build their futures in the United States.
Every Campus A Refuge is proud to be part of Welcome Corps on Campus by providing technical assistance, training, resources, and ongoing support to campus sponsors.
“Every Campus A Refuge was founded on the firm belief that higher education has a significant role to play in refugee welcome, protection, and integration. Welcome Corps on Campus is a step in the right direction — providing U.S. colleges and universities with the opportunity to directly sponsor refugee students whose access to higher education is incredibly limited if not non-existent. As part of our work over the last 8 years mobilizing colleges and universities to co-sponsor refugees and support their resettlement and integration using campus resources, Every Campus A Refuge has seen the direct impact on everybody involved when a college or university opens its doors to newcomers. From the refugees who experience a stronger beginning in their new home, to the campus community who is transformed by the power of the connections made, to the local community who benefits immensely from the contributions of its newest Americans, Welcome Corps on Campus will be a win-win for all involved,” said Diya Abdo, ECAR’s founder and director.
More than 140 institutions are celebrating the launch of the Welcome Corps on Campus. Through this program, on-campus Private Sponsor Groups – composed of students, faculty, and staff – will provide academic, financial, and resettlement assistance to newly arriving refugee students for their first year. In doing so, they will play a vital role in the students’ journeys towards long-term integration.
Join us in extending a warm welcome to refugee students to U.S. campuses and in building enduring legacies of compassion, understanding, and inclusivity.
Together, let’s make a difference. Let’s make every campus a refuge. Learn how your campus can get involved @ https://welcomecorps.org/