Strengthening Immigrant Inclusion Program (SIIP) Request for Proposals

Overview

About Us

WES is a non-profit social enterprise that supports the educational, economic, and social inclusion of immigrants, refugees, and international students in the U.S. and Canada. For 50 years, WES has set the standard for international academic credential evaluation, supporting millions of people as they seek to achieve their academic and professional goals. Through decades of experience as a leader in global education, WES has expanded its mission to pursue and scale social impact.

Our Vision

Everyone is able to put their education, experience, and skills to work anywhere in the world.

Our Mission

We help people learn, work, and thrive in new places. We help society recognize the value of people’s education and experience.

Strengthening Immigrant Inclusion Program (SIIP) Request for Proposals: Driving Systems Change for Immigrant and Refugee Students

The World Education Services (WES) Strengthening Immigrant Inclusion Program (SIIP) provides communities technical assistance and coaching from WES and its national partners. The program connects a network of communities working towards meaningful, effective, and sustainable initiatives at the state and local level for immigrants and refugees. Since its launch in 2017, SIIP has supported more than 45 cities, regions, and states in advancing the workforce inclusion of immigrants and refugees. For this year's cohort, WES seeks institutions committed to accelerating the development and expansion of effective approaches to promoting the economic inclusion of immigrants and refugees. SIIP will provide selected institutions with tailored training, coaching, and technical assistance to support concrete initiatives and to build lasting networks.

This cohort is intended for community and technical colleges that support immigrant and refugee students through programs and initiatives that recognize these students’ skills and expand pathways to their employment.

Focus Area

SIIP invites institutions focused on:

* Driving Systems Change for Immigrant and Refugee Students
* Selected community and technical colleges will establish and bolster efforts to help immigrant and refugee students—especially those with higher education from outside the United States—secure good jobs in in-demand industries.
* This cohort will focus on proven strategies to support and accelerate the career success of immigrant and refugee students.
* These include:
* Improving intake and retention processes
* Using data to improve access to job opportunities
* Recognizing international credentials to place immigrant students in courses that build on their skills and education
* Implementing Prior Learning Assessments that account for international education and experience
* Expanding employer engagement, particularly in in-demand industries WES expects selected institutions to achieve measurable outcomes as part of an engaged local network.

WES will dedicate time and expertise to coordinate the program, provide training and support, and bring together current SIIP cohorts and alumni for ongoing collaboration and peer learning.

Award Information

Selected communities will receive:

* Technical assistance from WES and national experts
* Consultation to define measurable outcomes with WES
* A stipend for attending an in-person convening
* This convening gathers the SIIP network, WES staff, and national technical assistance providers to collaborate on shared goals and outcomes.
* Four web-based training sessions on topics related to the economic inclusion of immigrants and refugees
* Monthly calls with WES and participating states or cities for idea exchange and progress updates
* A virtual platform for ongoing collaboration with the SIIP network

Eligibility

_You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website._

* Institutions will be selected based on the following criteria:
* Demonstrated support from academic system or college leadership
* Institutional commitment to initiatives that promote workforce inclusion of immigrants and refugees
* Existing programs that prepare students for in-demand careers
* Willingness to participate in the SIIP program activities and the evaluation process
* SIIP participants must meet these requirements throughout the program year:
* Participate fully in training and technical assistance
* Share ideas and best practices and collaborate with technical assistance providers and other program participants
* Commit to achieving one measurable outcome during the program year to support the inclusion of immigrants and refugees at the local or state level
* Provide quarterly updates to WES and participate in an evaluation process that includes focus groups, program logs, and quarterly check-ins
* Engage in all program activities, including monthly calls, quarterly training, and the SIIP convening