Refugee Employment Programs: Pathways to Self-Sufficiency
Advancing education-to-employment for refugees, aligned with RGW USA's mission to empower refugee girls through career pathways and meaningful opportunities
The Challenge
17M refugee girls denied education access, facing risks of early marriage and exploitation
Why Focus on Employment
Displacement increases risks of genderbased violence, trafficking, and child labor
• Lack of education limits economic opportunities and self-sufficiency
refugees are twice as likely to be unemployed compared to local populations
Common Barriers to Work
• Language skills: Limited English proficiency restricts job access
• Employment provides dignity, independence, and family reunification pathways
• Credentials: Foreign degrees not recognized or evaluated
• Networks: Lack of professional connections in new country
• Logistics: Transportation, childcare, and licensing gaps
How Programs Help
• Bridge language gaps through vocational English training
• Discrimination: Bias and unfamiliarity with local workplace culture
• Evaluate and recognize foreign credentials and skills
• Provide career navigation and personalized development plans
• Connect talent to employers through matching programs
•
• Align with RGW USA's mission to advance education-to-employment pathways
Key Programs Overview: RCP and REP
Refugee Career Pathways (RCP)
ORR Federal Program | Est. 2018
GOAL
Achieve self-sufficiency through education, training, and career coaching for professional/skilled careers
ELIGIBILITY
ORR-eligible populations within 5 years in U.S., work-authorized, ready for professional employment SERVICES
Personalized career development plans • Foreign degree & credential evaluation
Vocational ESL & job skills training
Apprenticeships & on-the-job training
Financial support: childcare, licensing, transportation
78%+ employment success within 240-day service period
Refugee Employment Partnership (REP)
NYC Metro Volunteer Initiative | Est. 2017
GOAL
Bridge between qualified refugee candidates and employers through person-toperson mentoring
WHO WE SERVE
Refugees, SIVs, asylees, and asylum seekers with full legal work authorization in the New York area
SERVICES
Skills & English assessment
Resume building & interview coaching
Employer matching & job development
Workplace culture orientation
Post-placement support & check-ins
270+ safe, dignified job placements across 40+ countries
Program Components and Services
Impact and Success Stories
78%+
Employment Success Rate within 240-day service period
Source: U S State Dept FY25
270+
Job Placements through REP in NYC metro area
Source: REP Partnership
⭐ Success Story Snapshot
"AskillednursefromAfghanistanleveragedRCP'scredentialevaluationandREP'sinterview coachingtore-enterhealthcare. AfterarrivingintheU.S., sheinitiallyworkedinentry-level retailwhilepursuingcredentialrecognition. Throughtherefugeeemploymentprograms, she obtainedhernursinglicenseandsecuredahospitalpositionwithin9months movingfrom subsistenceworktoaliving-wagecareerthatsupportsherfamilyandenableshertosponsor relativesstilloverseas."
13%
Refugee Entrepreneurs vs. 9% U.S.-born rate
Source: IRC 2019
100K+
Refugees Resettled in FY2024 (highest in 30 years)
Source: Migration Policy Inst
Employer Value
Reliable, motivated workforce with strong work ethic
Enhanced workplace diversity and cultural competency
Improved employee retention rates
Positive community impact and corporate social responsibility
Access to multilingual talent and global perspectives
Strengthened employer brand and team morale
Partner as Employer
Offer interviews, apprenticeships, and hiring pathways. Access pre-screened, motivated talent through refugee employment programs.
How You Can Help
Join the Movement to Empower Refugees Through Employment
RGW USA Education www.rgwusa.org/education
Support Education
Fund RGW USA scholarships, school supplies, and mentorship for refugee girls creating future-ready talent pipelines.
Volunteer Your Time
Provide mentoring, mock interviews, resume reviews, and professional networking to help refugees navigate job markets.
Advocate for Policy
Promote recognition of foreign credentials, fair hiring practices, and expanded pathways to refugee self-sufficiency.
Refer Candidates
Connect newcomers to RCP and REP programs for comprehensive career support and job placement assistance.
Refugee Career Pathways acf.gov/orr/programs/refugees
Refugee Employment Partnership refugeeemployment.org Together, we can transform lives through refugee employment programs and education pathways