Pathways of Hope, Breaking Barriers: Refugee and Immigrant Women Leading Change in Early Childhood Workforce

Abstract

The Pamoja Workforce Project, a partnership between Empowering Communities Globally: For the Care of Children and Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountain. The Project seeks to identify and address barriers, gaps, systemic biases, and discrimination faced by refugees and immigrants non-English non-Spanish first language speakers, entering higher education in the early childhood field. By leveraging a participatory approach, the project collaborates with community members to identify and understand the unique challenges they encounter. This involves a thorough analysis of systemic barriers and biases that hinder access to educational opportunities and workforce integration. For four years, the project has tackled barriers and improved each semester with student-led changes. We have addressed obstacles including policy advocacy, professional development, and community engagement, working to dismantle discriminatory practices and foster inclusive systems for equitable higher education access. The Pamoja Workforce Project provides targeted resources and support for refugees and immigrants, offering essential tools and guidance for retention and completion of certificates and degrees. The approaches include language justice, career navigators, homework support, childcare, emotional wrap-around services, and digital literacy. These efforts aim to create a more inclusive holistic educational environment where everyone can thrive and make meaningful contributions to their fields.