The 9,000 Mile Journey
Days and Times TBD
Red Knot Scholars engage in an 8-week journey of self-exploration, civic engagement and inquiry-based self-study that centers around human migration issues. In addition, they will receive 1:1 coaching and letters of recommendation for their college applications upon successful completion of the program.
Our goals:
Build your awareness and expertise in human migration issues - locally and globally
Support you as a leader in your school and community
Create an authentic, relevant and high-value community service project
Inspire you to take on additional leadership roles post-high school
Provide you with an extracurricular activity and a compelling narrative that helps you stand out in your college applications
To accomplish this, we’ve designed an 8-week inquiry-based curriculum that puts you, the student, in the driver’s seat. This means that you will be asked to co-lead the process with your own questions and focus your unique interests on a local refugee-related project.
We will provide you with ongoing, weekly mentorship, an engaging community, a college-level curriculum, and accountability (regular check-ins both individually and as a cohort). We will also offer you access to some of the most reputable leaders and social entrepreneurs in the fields of public policy, philanthropy and foreign service.
Whether you decide to go into migration-related work or another field completely, this experience will help you move through the world with more insight, curiosity and confidence.
Red Knot Scholar Commitments:
Attend all weekly Zoom meetings
Organize project management spreadsheets and keep them up-to-date
Network with and learn more about a local refugee organization
Develop, complete and present your own personal inquiry project
2025 Spring Program Curriculum
All meetings are scheduled on Zoom. In addition, you will provide you with one-hour 1:1 coaching meetings to help design and execute your action plan (these are scheduled on mutually-agreeable days and times).
Session #1
Introductions - What’s our “why”?
Understanding the global refugee landscape and supporting agencies
Establishing goals and ways we will track and measure our progress
Session #2
Examining the past / present immigration policies and practices in the United States
Debunking myths about refugees
Brainstorming and coalescing questions (developing personal inquiry project ideas)
Session #3
Connecting with a refugee (interviews)
Understanding the non-profit organization structure (vision, mission, board, financials and operations)
Landscape mapping your local community
Session #4
Guest speakers: UWC Refugee Scholars
Inter-session
One-to-one meetings with the team re: personal inquiry projects
Session #5
Guest speakers: UWC Refugee Scholars
Session #6
Self-selected book, podcast, article and film study project
Student-led discussion groups
Session #7
How do organizations measure impact ?
How will you measure your own impact?
Designing and using qualitative and quantitative studies)
Session #8
Personal inquiry project presentations
June 20 Alumni Event
The end of the school year marks the annual World Refugee Day on June 20th https://www.un.org/en/observances/refugee-day! We will gather together for a final celebratory meeting to see how everyone is doing with their ongoing projects.
Your instructors
Ann Strandoo, MSW and Kimberly Mitchell, MA have spent their careers in international migration and education professions, leading projects at and working directly with organizations such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the Gates Foundation, Teach For All, International Organization for Migration and International Baccalaureate Organization, among others. They are not only experienced facilitators and curriculum designers, but intrepid travelers and savvy networkers.