I'm the Academic Enrichment Director at Global FC, a Kansas City-based non-profit that uses soccer as a vehicle for transformative impact. What does that have to do with education? A majority of the youth in our programming are in the United States on refugee status, meaning they face numerous challenges when it comes to navigating the American education system. These barriers include but are not limited to poor prior schooling, interrupted schooling, English language learning, adapting to a new culture, continually dealing with past traumatic experiences, and having parents who are unfamiliar with and at times intimidated by the school system. The Global FC Education Program closes the opportunity gap for students, utilizing a holistic approach to learning, enriching the educational experience so students can achieve their highest potential. Through our Academic Enrichment Initiative, tutors meet with students once a week throughout the school year and during summer school to develop English proficiency and critical thinking. Tutors also engage in mentoring their students by attending soccer games, participating in special events, engaging parents and family members, and otherwise spending time with their students outside of tutoring, facilitating real-life learning experiences. The Global FC Education Program also has other initiatives including Soccer Literacy, Family Literacy, and Next Steps, all of which seek to provide holistic education support needed for displaced youth in their academic journey. All of this is done with the firm belief that by investing in these youth, tremendous potential will be unleashed by each student and positively impact the community.