Youth Education
Refugee children and youth often have a significant adjustment to life in their new community and schools. This includes language differences, not understanding how schools function, not knowing where to go for help, little to no familiarity with the curriculum or social mores, and difficulty making friends.
Our youth education programming seeks to equip the next generation with the support and skills they need to thrive in their new community.
Youth Programs
RSI (Refugee School Impact)
Through our Refugee School Impact (RSI) program, NICE is able to provide an overview to all eligible students soon after they arrive in Nashville by introducing them to U.S.-based schooling and equipping them with the required resources to be successful in K-12 education. RSI core services include school orientation, school enrollment, case management and cultural exchange.
Contact Information
Hanna Mwanse
Youth Education Associate Manager
Jacob Nunley
Youth Education Program Specialist
Zainab Chaudhry
Youth Education Program Specialist
After School Program
NICE coordinates three after school programs that focus on English language learning, social-emotional learning, and academic support. Our programs also partner with several community organizations to provide diverse learning opportunities for our students. Any student currently enrolled at Margaret Allen Middle School, Antioch Middle School, or Wright Middle School is eligible to attend this free program. Snacks are available to all students and transportation can be provided in most circumstances.
Contact Information
Grace Robertson
Margaret Allen Middle School Site Coordinator
Sadia Najam
Antioch Middle School Site Coordinator
Amanda Bouldin
Wright Middle School Site Coordinator
Ashley Martinez
Youth Education Associate Manager
Cultural Awareness
Our Cultural Awareness Program provides training designed to equip teachers, school administrators, and other community groups with background information about specific cultural groups from the refugee/immigrant communities. These trainings are provided at no cost and are designed to empower groups to better support the needs of immigrant and refugee students in families in our community.
Contact Information
Hanna Mwanse
Youth Education Associate Manager
Youth Mentorship
NICE’s Youth Mentorship program is a community-based mentoring program designed to encourage and support mutually beneficial, long-standing relationships between adult mentors and new American children ages 5-14. The program ensures school-age youths get high-quality and comprehensive academic, social emotional support that is culturally and linguistically sensitive.
For youth ages 15–24, responsibilities also include career and vocational support, life-skills development, civic engagement, and cultural preservation activities. Services are provided to eligible youth within their first five years of arrival in the U.S.
Contact Information
Kaze Thierry Rwakigarama
Youth Mentorship Coordinator
Summer Camp
Every summer, NICE hosts a community-based summer camp for both elementary and middle school students. Our camp is meant to provide students with opportunities for learning and community engagement during summer break. Camp is hosted Monday through Thursday and features lessons on English literacy, social and emotional learning, and STEAM-based projects. Campers also have the opportunity to attend several field trips and enrichment events with community organizations like the Nashville Zoo, the Nashville Children’s Theatre, or the Country Music Hall of Fame. Any student currently enrolled in Davidson County schools is eligible to attend, though special priority may be given to English Language Learners.
Contact Information
Ashley Martinez
Youth Education Associate Manager
Youth Education Referral Form
For questions about all Youth Education programs and services, please contact Rob Manauis
Rob Manauis
Associate Director of Youth Education
