On May 26, REFUGES concluded another successful year of afterschool programming for refugee and new American youth in grades 7-12.

 

Over 100 students participated in the 2015-2016 REFUGES afterschool program on the University of Utah campus; REFUGES is offered in collaboration with Sudanese Youth in Action (SYA, for students in grades 7-9) and Transitions for Refugee Youth (TRY, for students in grades 10-12). Students received academic assistance, enrichment activities, workshops promoting healthy lifestyles, and assistance with college and financial aid applications.

 

In 2016, a number of participants received recognition for their REFUGES enrichment activities, including prizes in the Lagoon Egg Drop Competition (Roa E. Rayyan E., Tania A.), first place in the MESA Prosthetic Arm Challenge (Yogesh P., Kanchan P., Prem S.) and top 10 placement in the Utah First Lego League competition (Elisha M., Jimmy S., Dieumercie M., Abishek S., Neera A., Fatna A.).

 

Of the 16 graduating high school seniors in the REFUGES program, 8 students have announced post-graduation plans (8 remain undecided); two will attend the University of Utah, four will attend other in-state institutions (SLCC and UVU), and two are headed out of state (one to Ohio State University, and one to the Army). Many of these students (5) will receive financial aid through federal Pell grants and/or additional scholarships, including SLCC’s Presidential Leadership Scholarship (Vanessa M.) and ARUP’s Utah Promise Scholarship (Surya G.).

 

Registration for the 2016-2017 REFUGES after school program will begin September 1, 2016. Parents and/or students should contact njassim.utah@gmail.com for more information.