Fostering Newly Resettled Refugee Adolescents’ Self-Efficacy and Advocacy in a Community-Based Youth Program

• In Event: Fostering Positive Adolescent Development: International Perspectives

Abstract

This proposal explores the newly resettled refugee-background high school students participating in the Teen Response program, a community-based initiative in the midwestern United States. The study investigates how their participation influences their self-efficacy and advocacy concerning educational and career pathways. Using a qualitative research approach, the study examined fifteen refugee students over nine months through focus groups. The findings reveal significant growth in students' self-efficacy and advocacy skills, highlighting the crucial role of community-school partnerships. This growth empowers students to advocate for themselves and pursue educational and career goals. The study contributes insights into the impact of community-based programs on refugee students, offering recommendations and future research directions to enhance support for this vulnerable population.

Authors

• Grace H.C. Huang, Cleveland State University

• Monica Miller Marsh, Kent State University