This 2023 report presents findings from a Community Engaged Research (CEnR) project with Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area (LSSNCA). It examines the challenges and opportunities refugees face in accessing higher education in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Drawing on interviews, focus groups, surveys, and resource mapping, the report highlights several barriers and concludes with actionable recommendations.
Key Questions
- What are the pathways to higher education entry among displaced learners?
- What are the barriers to higher education among displaced learners in Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia?
- What steps (e.g., programmatic, policy, communication, knowledge sharing, budget allocation, etc.) are needed to enhance access to higher education among this group?
- What is the role of policy advocacy (local, state, federal, agency, college/university, etc.) in advancing pathways to higher education?
Key findings
- Refugees face limited access to clear and consistent information about higher-education processes, including admissions, financial aid, and available resources.
- Many participants described difficulties navigating documentation requirements, credential evaluation, and English-language proficiency expectations.
- Financial constraints—including ineligibility for many aid programs—serve as a major obstacle to enrollment.
- Existing support varies significantly across organizations and institutions, leading to inconsistent guidance and advising for prospective students.
- Participants stressed the need for greater coordination among resettlement agencies, educational institutions, and state or local partners.
Recommendations
- Expand and improve information-sharing through clearer guidance, accessible materials, and consistent communication across organizations.
- Increase institutional and organizational support, including advising, language services, and assistance with documentation and application processes.
- Address financial barriers by broadening access to funding opportunities and exploring policy options that reduce costs for displaced learners.
- Strengthen collaboration among community-based organizations, resettlement agencies, and higher-education institutions to streamline pathways.
- Advance policy advocacy to address structural barriers and create more equitable access to higher education for refugee students.