Supporting Refugees with English Language Learning and Career Pathways

Supporting Refugees with English Language Learning and Career Pathways

Date: February 12, 2025

Time: 12:00-1:00 PM Central

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This one-hour webinar will feature programs which combine language training and workforce development pathways for refugees. We will spotlight diverse models of programs hosted by community colleges and universities in collaboration with resettlement organizations and community partners. All registered attendees will receive copies of the webinar materials after the webinar. These materials will also be posted on the SHERR website. This webinar is open to the public and will be co-hosted with Upwardly Global.

Learning objectives:

1. Understand opportunities for partnerships between U.S. colleges and universities and refugee serving organizations/other community partners in the context of English Language Learning and Career Training
2. Learn about the value of these programs for refugee integration and local/regional workforce development
3. Discover strategies for addressing challenges and learn about available resources to support refugee language and career training

Speakers:

• Klaudia Gates, World Learning SHERR
• Joanne Michaud, Upwardly Global
• Olga Prizhbilov, Los Rios Community College District
• Katie Brown, Washington University of St. Louis
• Jodi Lloyd, Washington University of St. Louis
• Genevieve Halkett, Chemeketa Community College
• Hannah Bonifacius, World Relief

This webinar is part of the SHERR Spotlight Series on campus engagement with refugees. Webinars in the series feature higher education institutions and resettlement agencies working together to support refugees through innovations such as temporary campus housing, community-engaged learning, refugee health, English language and career programs, and increasing educational opportunities for refugee students. To view past webinars, please visit the SHERR webinar page.

Designed for professionals and stakeholders involved in supporting refugee access to higher education, including:

• Higher Education Administrators: Senior leaders, deans, and directors interested in fostering education pathways for refugees
• Faculty and Staff: Educators and advisors involved in designing or implementing programs that support refugee students on campus
• Refugee-Serving Organizations: Practitioners and leaders in community-based or national organizations partnering with educational institutions to support refugees
• Student Affairs and Support Services Staff: Professionals working in areas such as career services, counseling, and campus engagement focused on refugee populations
• Policymakers and Advocates: Individuals shaping policies or advocating for educational opportunities and workforce development for refugees
• Researchers and Scholars: Academics studying refugee integration, higher education access, or workforce transitions.
• International and Community Engagement Coordinators: Staff overseeing partnerships with resettlement agencies or community organizations