Navigating Barriers, Building Futures Policy, Persistence, and Postsecondary Access

Navigating Barriers, Building Futures Policy, Persistence, and Postsecondary Access For Displaced Learners

The UN Refugee Agency aims to double refugee enrollment in postsecondary education to 15% by 2030. In the U.S., this goal intersects with refugee resettlement and higher education policies. Examining the nexus of higher education, NGOs, and student experiences provides insight into the various policy structures influencing postsecondary access and success. This mixed-methods project draws on longitudinal data from displaced learners enrolled in higher education. It explores how individuals leverage distinct forms of capital to persist despite policy barriers that hinder their postsecondary pathways. The findings offer valuable insights for policymakers seeking to support increasing refugee participation in postsecondary education.