Our Mission

PAIR Houston aims to empower refugee youth to navigate American society, reach their academic potential, and become community leaders through educational mentoring programs. PAIR serves middle and high school students through school-based and community-based programs. Mentors work with the staff to implement lesson plans spanning a variety of topics including cultural diversity, teamwork, health and wellness, and college and career planning.

PAIR was founded in 2006 by a group of Rice students. Upon learning about the economic needs which were not met by refugee resettlement agencies, these students took action. They started their own student organization which would bridge the gap between resettlement in the U.S. and economic self-sufficiency for refugees. PAIR soon grew into an independent non-profit and the University of Houston Chapter was founded 3 years later.

PAIR’s University of Houston chapter serves to recruit UH students to volunteer as mentors for refugee youth in Houston. Additionally, our chapter hosts multiple educational and cultural events throughout each semester to engage the student body about refugee issues. We hope that you will come alongside us in our vision to give refugees the tools they need to acclimate to American society and become engaged members of our community.

How can you get involved?

Volunteering as a mentor is a once-per-week, semester long commitment. Volunteers will be given the choice between the Global Learners Program (middle school) and the Global Leaders Program (high school). Programs run Monday through Thursday in both the mornings and afternoons. All of PAIR’s partner schools are in Southwest Houston; carpooling is available.

Recruitment times will occur at the beginning of each semester. The volunteer application can be found here

If you have discovered us during a non-recruitment time, we apologize that you must wait to apply. In the meantime, you can still participate in the various events we host at UH. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram to stay connected, learn about our campus events, and be the first to know when applications open. You can also contact us through email at pairuofh@gmail.com.

Testimonials

"I think it's so important for these kids to have an open space where they can connect and learn from others. PAIR gives refugees a place to ask whatever they want and grow to their full potential, and it's so inspiring to see the kids break out of their shells and really grow." - Bola, 2020

"I enjoy volunteering with PAIR to empower refugee students and help them adjust to life in the Houston area. I learn so much from them in the process, and I love seeing smiles on their faces when they answer a math question correctly!" - Rachel, 2018

"For me, the greatest thing is seeing the kids building a skill. For example, they'll come ask you what a word means, and within two weeks they're using it all the time, and correctly. Other times they'll improve on a specific skill like math, and seeing how hard they work and how they actually get to see themselves get better is amazing" - Shelly, 2020

“PAIR gave me the opportunity to impact people’s lives and make a difference in my community. The greatest joy while working with PAIR was seeing my relationships grow with my mentees. I witnessed them develop their skills, find their talents, and make life decisions as they came into their own. It was exciting when my refugee students would accept me not just as their leader and mentor but as their friend. I still keep in touch with every one of them, and I’m happy to see how they’ve all evolved.” - Diana, 2020

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