In a significant stride towards integrating displaced students into American higher education, Bard College President Leon Botstein recently participated in a virtual conversation focused on refugee education initiatives. This event, hosted by the White House Executive Office of the President, highlighted the Welcome Corps on Campus program, which aims to provide educational opportunities to refugee students in the United States.

Leon Botstein has been a vocal advocate for the program, emphasizing the importance of welcoming students from diverse backgrounds. At the event, Botstein shared personal insights, noting, “We need to open our doors, not close them.” His words resonate with Bard College’s commitment to fostering a global community that values cultural understanding and diversity.

Bard College is among the inaugural institutions participating in the Welcome Corps on Campus, and it has already welcomed two refugee students this fall. Botstein highlighted that these students enrich the college community by bringing unique perspectives that contribute to global citizenship. The college plans to expand its involvement by welcoming more refugee students in the coming academic years.

The Welcome Corps on Campus program, part of a broader U.S. initiative, empowers higher education institutions to serve as resettlement spaces for refugee students. Botstein’s leadership at Bard College ensures that these students receive not only academic guidance but also a supportive community.

With Bard’s long-standing commitment to refugee education, Botstein’s involvement reflects a broader strategy to integrate displaced students into academic life. The college’s efforts are part of a global initiative to enroll 15% of refugees in higher education by 2030, reinforcing its role as a leader in educational access and civic engagement.

Leon Botstein’s participation in this initiative underscores Bard College’s dedication to providing educational opportunities to those who need them most. As he continues to support refugee education, Bard College stands as a beacon of inclusivity and hope for displaced students worldwide.