The mission of RYSE (Refugee Youth Solidarity through Education) is to foster literacy, confidence, and community among K-12 refugee youth in Rhode Island through hands-on, joyful summer learning and leadership development. We fulfill our mission through two programs:

(1) Camp RYSE: This free, five-week summer camp for refugee youth (grades K-9) promotes academic growth and social bonding through daily literacy and STEM lessons and recreational activities such as art, dance, swimming, and sports. Camp RYSE serves approximately 90 refugee youth each year.

(2) RYPM (Refugee Youth Power Movement): This free, two-week summer summit for refugee youth (grades 9-12) develops leadership skills and community through interactive workshops focused on identity, interpersonal communication, and college navigation as well as daily team-building activities. RYPM serves approximately 25 refugee youth each year.

Rhode Island has a large refugee population, resettling approximately 100-345 refugees every year. School-aged refugee children face many challenges integrating into the US educational system, especially as many have experienced severe interruptions in formal schooling. Camp RYSE helps meet this urgent need with hands-on,  project-based learning that targets summer learning loss, as well as by forging community among young people with shared experiences of displacement and resettlement. RYSE also provides opportunities for youth employment and pipelines to meaningful careers for teenagers and young adults in the refugee community: over 50% of our staff are Camp RYSE alumni, and many have cited Camp as the reason they went on to choose careers in education and public service. 

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RYSE (Refugee Youth Solidarity through Education)

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