Partnership for the Advancement & Immersion of Refugees (PAIR)

PAIR is a nonprofit organization committed to advancing refugee youth in Houston, TX. PAIR connects young refugees with college and community volunteers in educational and mentoring programs that assist young refugees in navigating American society, reaching their academic potential, and becoming community leaders. Our participants come from all over the world, recently from Bhutan, Burma, Iraq, Congo, and more than 20 other nations. They meet the international and U.S. definition of "refugee"--a person unable to return to his home because of a "well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group or political opinion.” They are resettled in Houston by the Department of Health and Human Services. PAIR mentors provide academic and cultural enrichment, as well as the resources and motivation to pursue higher education and other post-high school opportunities. At the same time, PAIR provides its volunteers with leadership opportunities and experiences that increase their understanding of global issues and their ability to work with diverse cultures. PAIR is committed to welcoming young newcomers into our city and providing them with the support they need to succeed in school and become self-sufficient, engaged members of the community.