Impact
Our students come to the U.S. with multiple skills and a wealth of diverse knowledge and experience. Many are multilingual and multicultural. However, all of our students are new to the English language, and many have had limited or no formal education. Refugee & Immigrant Transitions programs help newcomers graduate from high school, improve their English skills, enroll in post-secondary education, and get on the pathway to higher-level employment opportunities and citizenship.
From July 2019 to June 2020 (FY2019-2020):
With a budget of $1,508,000, we are proud to have served 2,000 participants. In addition, we have engaged 16 current/former students in paid positions, as peer tutors, interns, and staff. We have been operating at full capacity during Covid and pivoted to virtual service delivery—please watch this short video to learn about RIT services during Covid and our impact:
RIT Outcomes
80% Youth Graduate High School
Despite the significant challenges they have faced, 80% of the youth who attended 50+ hours of RIT’s academic programs, graduated high school in 2020. Their graduation rate surpassed that of English learners in California (69% in 2020).
100% Youth Leaders Enter College
100% of our youth leadership alumni, who graduated high school in 2020, enrolled in college. Many of our youth leaders are the first in their family to attend college.
Adults Gain English Skills
In the Fall 2019 semester, RIT’s adult students who are beginning-level English learners, outperformed California state goals for English gains* (set for nonprofits, adult schools, and community colleges). Low Beginning level students outperformed state goals by 17%, and High Beginning level, by 4%. Gains are measured by standardized testing used nationwide (CASAS). In our workforce development program, Literacy level students outperformed state goals as well (by 15%).
*Moved up from one English level to the next. Levels according to the National Reporting System for Adult Education.
88% Improve Community Navigation Skills
In the Fall 2019 semester, 88% of the students tested passed RIT’s self-efficacy assessments. Those tests are administered in English and approved by the California Department of Education.
Students demonstrated an ability to perform a mock job interview, fill out a job application, and communicate with supervisors about needing time off or calling in sick. As well as explain their child’s school absence over the phone, complete a school application, and participate in a parent-teacher conference.