Elimisha Kakuma
Founded by refugees and teachers in 2021, Elimisha Kakuma is a college preparatory educational program for high school graduates in Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya, Africa. Led by CRMDS Community Engagement Specialist Deirdre Hand and working with teachers, including former refugees and volunteers, EK students receive intensive academic instruction, SAT and TOEFL preparation, mentorship with current college students from across the globe, and guidance through the college application process. In addition to attaining skills to access higher education, EK alumni are committed to strengthening their communities through education and innovative programs. Virginia Tech student interns provide tutoring to high school students in the camp (who come from Sudan, Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of Congo) as they prepare their college admissions essays. Elimisha Kakuma students have been accepted to George Washington, Harvard, St. Olaf, Macalester, UC Berkeley, Emerson, Virginia Tech many others.
Virginia Tech belongs to several national organizations, including Every Campus a Refuge, the President’s Alliance for Higher Education and Immigration, and the National Alliance of System Heads. In 2024, Virginia Tech was selected by the US State Department to be part of the inaugural cohort of colleges and universities to be part of Welcome Corps on Campus (WCC). Beginning in Fall 2024, Virginia Tech is sponsoring to two students from the Elimisha Kakuma program.