THE FUTURE
BELONGS TO US

“We Stand Together”, shown in 17 languages.

Students for Refugees empowers displaced youth through education, mentorship, and advocacy, creating pathways to success for refugee students worldwide.

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Our Impact

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Student Members

0+

Hours of Tutoring

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Refugees Helped

OUR VISION

Making A Difference

As of 2024, the global refugee population has surged to over 35 million (UNHCR), with more than half being children under 18.

Our Mission

The mission of Students for Refugees is to champion awareness and education about the ongoing refugee crisis caused by persecution, conflict, violence, and human rights violations. We strive to deepen understanding of migration issues—pre-migration, transmigration, and post-migration.

Our organization empowers students to volunteer, advocate, and foster community participation for this vulnerable population, in collaboration with numerous agencies dedicated to assisting refugees.

Through engagement, our students will gain invaluable insights into resilience and perseverance from the stories of the refugees they encounter.

Our goal is to build a international network of students committed to promoting human rights, peace, and advocacy for displaced refugee children and their families, starting in Houston, which proudly hosts the largest number of resettled refugees in the United States.

Advocacy

Raising awareness about refugee issues and advocating for policy changes that support refugee communities.

Global Network

Building an international community of students dedicated to supporting refugee education and integration.

Education

Promoting understanding of refugee experiences and creating educational opportunities for displaced students.

Imran Humza Hanif

Founder and President

WHAT WE DO

Through Education, Action, and Advocacy, we create lasting impact in refugee communities.

Students for Refugees volunteer tutoring a student

Education

We deliver lectures, workshops, and tutoring programs that spread awareness about the refugee crisis and provide direct academic support to refugee students.

1,000+ Tutoring Hours
Students for Refugees volunteers distributing aid at the Refugee Peace Farm

Action

We deliver essential goods to refugee families and support community initiatives like the Refugee Peace Farm, creating tangible impact through direct action.

100% Zero-Overhead Donations
Attendees at the Students for Refugees annual Refugee Health Fair

Advocacy

We amplify refugee voices through events like our annual Refugee Health Fair and Mental Health Conference, driving awareness and policy change.

4000+ Refugees Helped

Our Commitment

Students for Refugees stands on three unshakable pillars: Education, Action, and Advocacy. Together, these principles guide our work as we strive to better the condition of refugees and, more specifically, refugee students.

Learn more about our work
1,000+
Tutoring Hours
50+
Active Tutors
4000+
Refugees Helped
3
Focus Areas

OUR STORY

The journey of Students for Refugees from our founding to today

Why It Started

Why It Started

As a grandson of refugees and child of a psychiatrist specializing in refugee trauma, Students for Refugees was built to asssit the vulnerable population by tackling the global refugee crisis through Education, Action, and Advocacy. We equip students with knowledge, engage in direct aid efforts, and advocate for systemic change to uplift refugee communities.

From Classroom Vision to Global Impact

From Classroom Vision to Global Impact

SFR began as a middle school IB project raising awareness about the refugee crisis. Transitioning to high school, we grew into a student-led club, and now stands as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. SFR operates across four universities, six high schools in the U.S., and even internationally in Amman, Jordan and London, England.

Expanding Our Reach

Expanding Our Reach

Focused on awareness campaigns, fundraising, and volunteer work with refugee resettlement programs. Despite credibility hurdles as a student-led initiative, SFR forged alliances with established organizations and showcased real impact. Through collaboration, we expanded our network and fostered a growing community of passionate youth advocates.

Empowering Through Education & Aid

Empowering Through Education & Aid

SFR supports refugees through education programs, direct aid, and advocacy. Collaborating with community leaders and nonprofits we address food insecurity, healthcare access, and economic empowerment. Our Refugee Education Program has provided thousands of tutoring hours to over 100 students, while aiding 6,000+ refugees facing food insecurity during COVID-19.

Collaborations & Key Milestones

Collaborations & Key Milestones

We serve as health guides and interpreters at the annual Refugee Health Fair, benefiting 300+ refugees. Partnering with Shamba ya Amani, we empower refugee women farmers. SFR works with resettlement agencies, university programs, and global organizations, and is exploring alliances with UNHCR, plus a summer volunteer program for students abroad.

Expanding Our Horizons

Expanding Our Horizons

SFR plans to grow its university and high school chapters, develop international service programs, and foster lasting NGO partnerships for sustained refugee support. Students can launch chapters, join service trips, or engage in advocacy. Donors and volunteers bolster our work through funding, mentorship, and hands-on involvement with refugee communities.

OUR TEAM

Meet the passionate people behind our mission to support refugee students worldwide

Imran Humza Hanif

Imran Humza Hanif

President

Deniz Çalışkan

Deniz Çalışkan

Vice President

Hira Malik

Hira Malik

Secretary

Ali Faruqui

Ali Faruqui

Treasurer

Yazan Zarka

Yazan Zarka

International Relations

As'ad Ansari

As'ad Ansari

Outreach Officer

Kareem Kabbani

Kareem Kabbani

Web Developer

BOARD MEMBERS

Meet our dedicated board who guide our organization's mission and vision

Katharine Gratwick

Katharine Gratwick

Development Economist

Aisha Koroma

Aisha Koroma

Mental Health & Social Services Professional

Nabila Ansar

Nabila Ansar

Managing Attorney

ACTIVE BRANCHES

Our presence across schools and universities

Carnegie Vanguard branch logo

Carnegie Vanguard

Bellaire branch logo

Bellaire

DeBakey branch logo

DeBakey

Baylor branch logo

Baylor

Texas A&M branch logo

Texas A&M

Challenge branch logo

Challenge

University of Houston branch logo

University of Houston

Westside branch logo

Westside

Homeschool branch logo

Homeschool

UT Austin branch logo

UT Austin

Jordan branch logo

Jordan

London branch logo

London

GET INVOLVED

Join our mission to support refugee students worldwide

Send Us a Message

Contact Information

Follow Us

Other Ways to Get Involved

Volunteer

Join our team of dedicated volunteers helping refugee students through tutoring, mentorship, and event support.

Partner With Us

Organizations can partner with us to create meaningful impact through collaborative initiatives and shared resources.

Spread Awareness

Share our mission on social media, in your community, or at your school to help amplify refugee voices.