New American Scholars: Cultivating Inclusive Communities for Refugee Student Success 

From the Desk of Riyah Patel, Founder and President

Learning is a collective journey. Robust educational communities—comprised of peers, teachers, counselors, and families—serve as the cornerstone of academic success. While skilled educators cultivate these micro-communities within classrooms, transformative learning necessitates an interconnected web of support that transcends school boundaries. 

In the midst of political debates about U.S. immigration policy, we must not overlook the vulnerability of refugee children, who often find themselves disconnected from essential educational communities. The intricacies of the American educational system are not only bewildering for these young minds but are also challenging for their parents. The consequence of this isolation is often a detrimental impact on educational outcomes. 

This is the void that New American Scholars aims to fill. 

Founded in 2021, New American Scholars was established with the mission of cultivating inclusive communities to bridge the academic divide between refugee, immigrant, and native students. To date, our dedicated team of 56 tutors has empowered over 240 students in New Hampshire, providing them with not just academic guidance, but also social and emotional support. We collaborate with parents, schools, educators, and broader community stakeholders to create a nurturing environment that enables refugee students to thrive in their new homeland. 

The importance of community in educational success is supported by decades of research. In the groundbreaking study, Situated Learning (1991), scholars Jean Lave and Etienne Wenger posited that “learning is an integral and inseparable aspect of social practice.” The age-old adage, "It takes a village," holds profound truth, especially in the context of refugee education. 

One of the major challenges for policymakers striving for educational integration is that community-building cannot be decreed from afar. Standardized educational models may serve broad needs but often fall short of addressing the nuanced challenges faced by refugee students. Insufficient funding further exacerbates their isolation within the educational ecosystem. 

My early experiences mentoring 11 refugee students at our local public library illuminated the complex tapestry of challenges these students navigate daily, from academic struggles to social discrimination and self-doubt. However, as trust blossomed within these small learning communities, the students grew more willing to explore questions about social integration and cultural acclimation. These shifts illustrated the transformative power of our community-focused approach, which transcends the bounds of mere academic tutoring. 

In conclusion, our collective strength resides in our ability to build inclusive communities beyond the confines of educational institutions. Through these vibrant networks of support, we can level the playing field, offering refugee students equitable opportunities to succeed academically and holistically. 

New American Scholars stands as a pioneering network of peer and adult mentors, connecting refugee and recent immigrant students who are navigating the intricate landscape of American schools. In a system where even native students can feel isolated, our initiative proves that schools alone are not the sole architects of educational communities.  

By fostering such communities, New American Scholars is not just addressing an immediate need; we are laying the groundwork for a more equitable educational future.