Leon Botstein, the president of Bard College, recently participated in a White House-hosted virtual conversation centered on the Welcome Corps on Campus initiative. This program aims to support refugee students in integrating into American higher education institutions. Botstein, whose own life story includes being a child refugee, passionately addressed the need for U.S. colleges to open their doors to displaced students.
“Nothing could be more important,” Botstein remarked, emphasizing the role immigrants play in the fabric of American society. His participation highlights Bard College’s commitment to the Welcome Corps on Campus initiative, which aims to enroll refugee students in U.S. colleges and universities.
Bard College has welcomed its first cohort of refugee students this fall under this program. This initiative is designed not only to provide a safe haven for these students but also to enrich campus communities with diverse perspectives. Botstein pointed out that supporting refugee students is integral to Bard’s educational mission, enhancing cultural understanding and global citizenship.
The Welcome Corps on Campus program is part of the broader Welcome Corps initiative, launched by the U.S. Department of State. This program empowers colleges, like Bard, to serve as resettlement spaces, offering academic opportunities and fostering inclusivity.
Botstein’s leadership underscores Bard’s long-standing dedication to refugee education. Over the years, Bard has enrolled numerous displaced students, including those from Syria and Afghanistan. This commitment aligns with the broader goal of enrolling 15% of the world’s refugees in higher education by 2030.
Through initiatives like the Welcome Corps on Campus, Botstein and Bard College are setting a precedent for how educational institutions can play a pivotal role in refugee resettlement and education. His advocacy serves as a clarion call for other colleges to follow suit in welcoming refugee students, reflecting the vital role education plays in rebuilding lives.