Refugee youth face unique circumstances in their resettlement journey that may impact their integration, such as trauma, loss, delayed social and emotional development, delayed attainment of mental and physical developmental milestones, and interrupted formal education. Despite these challenges, refugee youth are strong, resilient, and upon arrival, tend to take on increased responsibilities acting as cultural brokers to support their family members. Refugee children and youth (ages 0-24) make up a significant proportion of all refugees.
The Colorado Refugee Services Program (CRSP) funds partner organizations that work to support successful integration for refugee children, youth, and families. Partner organizations provide refugee families comprehensive assistance enrolling their children in public education and understanding how to communicate and collaborate with teachers and administrators in the U.S. school system on behalf of their students.
Partners also operate integration-focused programs providing English language learning initiatives, tutoring and homework help for academic success, social integration activities, emotional development and leadership curricula, and post-secondary education navigation. Through these targeted programs, CRSP is dedicated to assisting refugee youth and equipping them with the tools for long-term success.
Am I Eligible?
To participate in refugee youth services or programs, you must have an ORR-eligible status and be between the ages of 0-25. Learn more about eligible statuses on the Refugee Services Introduction page. Some CRSP partners may provide programming for youth who do not have an ORR-eligible status. Contact the individual service providers in the list below for additional information.
Service Providers
Statewide
- Hands to the Future: Mentorship and navigation services for students seeking post-secondary educational credentials, certificates, and licenses
- University of Colorado Anchutz Medical Campus, Immigrant and Refugee Mental Health Program: Youth mental health evaluations.
Northern Colorado
- Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains: School enrollment and navigation, academic support, integration activities, student mentorship and job-readiness programs
- Soccer Without Borders: Academic support, English language learning support, and sports-based integration activities
Metro Denver
- ECDC African Community Center: School enrollment and navigation, academic support, and integration activities
- International Rescue Committee: School enrollment and navigation, academic support, and integration activities
- Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains: School enrollment and navigation, academic support, integration activities, job-readiness programs, and mental wellness groups
- Project Worthmore: School enrollment and navigation
- Soccer Without Borders: Academic support, English language learning support, and sports-based integration activities
- Women’s Wilderness: School-based and outdoor activities promoting social, emotional, and leadership skill building for female-identifying youth
Pikes Peak Region
Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains: School enrollment and navigation, academic support, integration activities, student mentorship and job-readiness programs