PAIR Programs

Global Explorers:
Newly-arrived refugee youth ages 11-14 participate in a year-long program of cultural orientation, academic enrichment, and mentoring. Group activities are engaging and educational, covering topics such as health, safety, nutrition, exercise, hygiene, handling stress, succeeding in school, managing relationships with family and friends, dealing with bullying and bias, and celebrating the diverse cultures of America--especially their own. Sessions also bolster academic skills, especially English. Students are matched one-to-one with mentors who commit to attending a majority of sessions for the year. Global Explorers assists participants in achieving a smoother transition to their new home and school and a greater understanding of American and school culture; more positive attitudes toward school; increased social competence, self-esteem and confidence; increased interest and participation in school activities; improved English skills; and more positive relationships with peers and adults.

Global Learners:
PAIR operates Global Learners programs at two middle schools with significant refugee populations. PAIR volunteer mentors meet with students who are referred by the teaching and counseling staff at their schools to provide supportive relationships, homework assistance, English language practice, and recreational and creative activities. Sessions begin with outside games, homework help, and sharing time to transition from the school day. Student and mentor groups then break off for an hour of tutoring centered around improving English language acquisition as well as self-expression through the arts. Sessions conclude with a fun, academic activity for the whole class. Global Learners assists participants in developing more positive attitudes toward school, achieving greater academic success, developing more positive relationships with peers and adults, and continuing their education through high school and beyond.

Global Leaders
& College Orientation Day:
PAIR's Global Leaders is a weekly program for high-school-aged refugee students. Mentors help students explore topics including careers, post-high school education and training options, academic planning, SAT preparation, college essay writing, participating in extra-curricular activities, job interview skills, and writing a résumé, among others. Students develop personal goals and educational plans, participate in community service projects, and develop leadership skills. Global Leaders works to

increase understanding of career options and the value and possibility of higher education, testing performance, academic planning, high school graduation rates, interviewing skills, knowledge of financial aid options, number of college and aid applications submitted, and number of youth attending higher education. Once per semester, PAIR brings a group of refugee youth to a local university campus for a College Orientation Day. Students tour the campus, hear from a speaker on the benefits of higher education, and see first-hand the life of a college student.