Moving to a new country can be one of the biggest challenges in a young person’s life.

For many Ukrainian teenagers arriving in the United States, the excitement of new opportunities often comes with difficult realities: adjusting to a new school system, overcoming language barriers, making new friends, and finding confidence in an unfamiliar environment.

Through the RSI Youth Program, Ukrainian American House helps young people navigate this transition and discover that they do not have to face it alone.

Over the past year, the program has become much more than a series of activities and workshops. It has become a place where Ukrainian teens build friendships, develop confidence, explore new opportunities, and begin to see a future filled with possibility.

Participants connect with peers who share similar experiences, develop communication and leadership skills, engage in volunteer projects, and gain exposure to educational and career pathways that may have once seemed out of reach.

One of the most inspiring examples was a recent educational trip to Silicon Valley, where participants visited Stanford University, Google, and Apple. For many students, it was their first opportunity to step inside world-renowned institutions and see firsthand what is possible through education, innovation, and determination.

These experiences do more than inspire. They help young people expand their horizons, set meaningful goals, and begin building a vision for their future.

The impact extends beyond the teens themselves. Parents frequently share how the program has helped their children become more engaged, confident, and connected. Many participants who once felt isolated now actively contribute to community events, volunteer initiatives, and leadership opportunities.

Through workshops, mentoring, community activities, educational experiences, and family engagement, the RSI Youth Program creates an environment where young people can grow academically, socially, and personally while maintaining strong connections to their culture and community.

An important part of our work is supporting parents as they help their children navigate life in a new country. Through workshops, educational seminars, and practical training sessions, Ukrainian American House equips parents with the knowledge, resources, and confidence to better support their children’s education, emotional well-being, and successful adaptation to life in the United States. By working with both teens and their families, we help build a stronger foundation for every child’s future—one step at a time.

The first years after resettlement can shape the course of a young person’s future. By providing encouragement, support, and meaningful opportunities during this critical period, we help Ukrainian youth not only adapt to life in the United States—but thrive.

This work is made possible through the support of the Refugee School Impact (RSI) Program and our dedicated partners who share our belief that every young person deserves the opportunity to succeed, contribute, and realize their full potential.

Together, we are helping build a generation of confident young leaders, engaged community members, and future innovators.

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