Our Programs

Two girls hugging at PRYSE Academy with a yellow circle behind them

PRYSE Academy

Referral Form

PRYSE Academy is where the innovative work of ARYSE began. In 2013, the program was created by a passionate group of volunteer undergraduates from The University of Pittsburgh alongside local refugee youth leaders. While ARYSE has grown into much more than PRYSE Academy alone, that original spirit of justice, creativity, determination, and resourcefulness remains the same.

PRYSE Academy takes place over the course of 5 weeks in the summer and, starting in 2022, will be hosted on the University of Pittsburgh's Oakland campus. The program serves refugee and immigrant youth in grades 6-12 representing over 15 different countries of origin and is designed to provide a culturally competent and articulated curriculum to support the academic, social and emotional development of each student. Participants develop critical literacy skills, achieve social and emotional growth, and deepen their sense of belonging in Pittsburgh as they prepare for success in the academic school year and beyond.

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Kids in a classroom learning a dance together
Students at PRYSE Final Showcase, on the stage together acting silly
Three students sitting in classroom learning during PRYSE
Four students standing in front of chalk drawing of a rainbow in blue sky
Photo of classroom learning during PRYSE
Students building a project using sticks and marshmallows

After School Club

Referral Form

After School Club supports immigrant and refugee high school students as they navigate educational and social barriers that hinder successful integration. The program functions in partnership with Dr. Jennie Schulze, an associate professor of political science and the director of the Center for Migration, Displacement and Community Studies at Duquesne University. After School Club emphasizes academic success, community building, college and career readiness, and life satisfaction through homework support and outcome-driven activities. The program functions with the support of volunteers who provide near-peer mentoring for students at each session.

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Two boys sitting at a desk and writing on paper during a classroom activity, other students in the background, yellow walls with speakers and ceiling panels.
Group of people gathered in a room, with someone taking a photo with a smartphone.
Group of young people and children posing in a conference room with tables and chairs.

Girls Art and Maker Group

Referral Form

Girls Art and Maker Group is an arts-based support group for young women and femmes to create art, share stories, and build social and emotional skills. Participants develop friendships, engage in art-making workshops led by peers and adult facilitators, and work together on ways to think through life challenges. Girls Group acts as a meeting place where student's stories, curiosities and feedback is the priority.

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Three young girls sitting at a table in a classroom or conference room, smiling and making peace signs with their hands. They are surrounded by papers, pens, and wearing casual clothing.
Two women sitting at table engaged in arts and crafts, surrounded by markers, glue, scissors, paper, and craft supplies, in a classroom or workshop setting.
Three young women standing indoors, each holding a collage poster with images of luxury brands, cars, and fashion items.

Post Secondary Support

Post-Secondary Support works with immigrant and refugee students from 11th grade through early adulthood to help them envision, pursue, and achieve their educational and professional goals following high school. Through partnerships with local colleges, trade schools, and other programs, ARYSE advocates for a post-secondary landscape where forcibly displaced youth feel they can belong, thrive, and make an impact. 

Youth in this program have previously been enrolled in other ARYSE programming.

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Group of diverse young people at an educational event or fair, engaging with representatives and exploring displays in a modern indoor setting.
A woman is giving a presentation to a group of diverse people seated in a conference room. The room has a large screen showing a presentation slide and artwork on the walls.
A diverse group of people participating in a meeting or workshop in a conference room with bookshelves and a whiteboard.

Youth Steering Committee

The Youth Steering Committee is designed to provide meaningful leadership opportunities for program participants as they help design and shape the future of ARYSE.  Engaging directly with ARYSE leadership, the youth participants’ perspective is validated and appreciated as they gain important workforce development skills and begin to see themselves as leaders not only within the ARYSE community but in the greater Pittsburgh region. 

Members of the Youth Steering Committee have previously been enrolled in other ARYSE programming and are referred to apply as members by ARYSE staff.

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A group of people attending a panel discussion in a room with TV screen, artwork, and a yellow wall.
Group of diverse people at a waterfront with kayaks and a bridge in the background
A group of diverse young people posing outdoors on a sunny day. Some are sitting on a bench, others standing. The background features trees and a grassy area.