In a recent virtual event hosted by the White House Executive Office of the President, Bard College President Leon Botstein took center stage as a key figure in the dialogue surrounding higher education’s role in supporting displaced students. This initiative, known as Welcome Corps on Campus, aims to provide refugee students with opportunities to pursue academic excellence in the United States.
Botstein’s participation highlighted Bard College’s commitment to integrating refugee students into its academic community. He emphasized the necessity of opening doors to displaced individuals, underscoring that their presence enriches campus culture and promotes global citizenship. Botstein’s message was clear: education is a vehicle for change and empowerment.
At Bard, the inclusion of refugee students is not simply an act of charity but a fundamental aspect of the institution’s mission. Leon Botstein noted the significance of creating a welcoming environment where these students can thrive. This fall, the college welcomed two refugee students through the Welcome Corps on Campus program, with plans to expand this initiative in the coming years.
Bard College’s engagement with refugee education is not a new endeavor. It has been a longstanding advocate for displaced students from various backgrounds, including those from Syria and Afghanistan. Currently, Bard enrolls over 250 displaced students across its campuses, reaffirming its dedication to this cause.
Leon Botstein’s involvement in the virtual conversation reflects Bard’s broader commitment to global education and the college’s readiness to support students in rebuilding their futures. The Welcome Corps on Campus program represents a crucial step in scaling up efforts to provide refuge and education to those who need it most.
As the program evolves, Leon Botstein and Bard College remain at the forefront, paving the way for other institutions to follow suit in fostering inclusive and supportive academic communities for refugee students.