Serving Refugee Students in the Keystone State
The Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Refugee Education Program offers advocacy for a special population of students and parents who otherwise may not have support. A refugee is someone who has been forced to flee their home country due to war, violence, persecution, or natural disaster. Refugee students often face significant challenges—language barriers, discrimination, disrupted education, and trauma from displacement—that can impact their experiences in the classroom.
Due to increases in forcibly displaced peoples globally, it is essential that educators and other refugee-serving practitioners engage in best practices in serving refugee students and families. The Pennsylvania Department of Education, Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, and Center for Schools and Communities are working together to empower educators and organizational leaders to create belonging and promote school success and community support for refugee students and their families.
Learn More About Supporting Refugee Students in Pennsylvania
Contact Us
Our Team
Joseph Eye
Refugee School Impact State Coordinator
Pennsylvania Department of Education
Bureau of School Support
Division of Student Services
Matthew Butensky
Youth Development Project Manager
Center for Schools and Communities
Meghan Dale
Special Projects Managing Coordinator, Refugee Education Program
Center for Schools and Communities
Benjamin Simmons
Youth Development Specialist
Center for Schools and Communities