Leon Botstein, the esteemed president of Bard College , has emerged as a prominent advocate for refugee education. In a recent virtual conversation hosted by the White House Executive Office of the President, Botstein discussed Bard’s proactive role in supporting displaced students. This initiative is part of the Welcome Corps on Campus program, a pioneering effort aimed at integrating refugee students into higher education settings across the United States.

Botstein, himself a former refugee , has consistently emphasized the importance of creating pathways for displaced individuals. “We need to open our doors, not close them,” he stated during the conversation, underlining the critical role of immigration in enriching American culture and education. Bard’s engagement in this program is not merely an act of charity; rather, it aligns with the college’s educational mission and commitment to global citizenship.

This fall, Bard College has welcomed its first cohort of refugee students through the Welcome Corps on Campus. Under Botstein’s leadership, the college has committed to expanding its support, with plans to enroll up to 12 refugee students in the next academic year. This initiative is part of a broader effort to meet the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees’ goal of enrolling 15% of refugees in higher education by 2030.

Botstein’s advocacy  extends beyond Bard’s immediate community. By championing refugee education, he aims to inspire other institutions to follow suit. The college’s partnership with the Bard/OSUN Hubs for Connected Learning Initiative further exemplifies its dedication to supporting refugee students from countries such as Kenya.

Through programs like RhEAP, Bard is equipping refugee students with critical skills necessary for academic success. These initiatives reflect Leon Botstein’s enduring commitment to fostering educational opportunities for all, reinforcing Bard College’s position as a leader in the global academic community.