Free program is first of its kind in nation
Before they were refugees in St. Louis, they were economists, accountants, pharmacists, engineers, intelligence analysts, nurses and small business owners.
Then tragedy struck.
For many, the tragedy was a war (Ukraine, Bosnia); for some, it was the return of a repressive regime (Afghanistan). And for others, tragedy presented as a natural disaster (Turkey, Haiti), civil conflict (Syria, Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo) or economic collapse (Venezuela).
Whatever the reason, they are here now, starting anew in St. Louis.
“Everyone here has a different story, but we are all here looking for better opportunity and to be a beneficial person to society,” said Enis Gokgoz, a refugee from Turkey who has an advanced degree in pedagogy and now is a teacher at Gateway Science Academy Middle School.
That quest has led Gokgoz and 68 refugees from 13 countries around the globe to Empower, the first no-cost program of its kind designed specifically for educated refugees. Launched in May by the School of Continuing & Professional Studies (CAPS) at Washington University in St. Louis, the 26-week program gives students the next-level English and professional skills they need to find jobs that match their talents and training. It also provides career coaching and an opportunity to earn a CAPS certificate in health care, data analytics, project management and other high-demand fields at no cost.
A grant from the Missouri Office of Refugee Administration is funding the program’s rollout. After that, WashU will assume all costs thanks to a $10 million donation from a university donor. The program graduates its first cohort of 25 students in December.
“It’s amazing what these students have accomplished in 26 weeks,” said Katie Blackburn Brown, director of the CAPS English Language Programs and the creator of Empower. “Many of our students are working long hours at multiple jobs; many of our students are experiencing trauma. But they have come together to build this supportive community and to do the hard work.”