Our Work
We are committed to advancing access to quality education through providing young refugees with college application mentorship services, career guidance, and shadowing opportunities. Our goal is to facilitate higher education access through fostering joyful connections with the local community.
01
Big-Little Pal Mentorship Program
Young refugees are matched with college students based on interests and academic goals. Throughout a period of one-year, mentorship pairs meet for 2-hours on Saturday afternoons bi-weekly and receive college application guidance whilst exploring the local community. In Northampton, MA, Smith students can meet with refugees from organizations such as the International Language Institute of MA.
02
Career Guidance
Young refugees attend career panel sessions with college professors or alums both in-person and online. This helps raise awareness on potential careers to explore and creates an extra avenue for networking and building strong connections.
03
Shadowing Opportunities
Through the Big-Little Pal pairings, young refugees can attend college classes with their college mentors and get a glimpse of the US education system. Additionally, they can also connect with local organizations to spend a couple of days or weeks as an intern to better understand the dynamics the work environment.