Black Refugee and Immigrant Student Advocacy and Academic Support (BRISAAS)

Immigrant and refugee support

County of Los Angeles (select only if your project has a countywide benefit) LAUSD (select only if you have a district-wide partnership)

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

Our program supports Black immigrant and refugee students and families in Los Angeles County, a group making up 8% of U.S. immigrants (KFF). Despite their resilience, many face challenges such as immigration status, economic hardship, and limited support.
In LA County, 44% of Black immigrant and refugee households earn under $40,000 annually, making basic needs hard to meet. About 30% are undocumented or on temporary visas, limiting access to essential services.
These barriers show up in the classroom, where language challenges and unfamiliarity with U.S. systems impact confidence, advocacy, and academic success.
Through the Black Refugee and Immigrant Student Advocacy and Academic Support (BRISAAS) initiative, we offer academic help, advocacy training, social support, and access to immigration services—empowering students and families on a more equitable path to success and belonging.

The Black Immigrant and Refugee Student Advocacy and Academic Support (BRISAAS) program offers crucial academic, immigration, and social support to Black immigrant and refugee students in Los Angeles County. It addresses disparities in attendance, academic achievement, graduation rates, and college access, particularly for low-income students, English learners, and those in foster care or probation.
BRISAAS serves students in elementary, middle, and high schools through culturally responsive programming, providing small-group tutoring and mentorship to promote comfort and peer learning. Volunteers work with groups of 7–10 students, focusing on academic reinforcement and language development.
Additionally, BRISAAS helps navigate immigration-related barriers by connecting families to trusted legal resources. Through collaboration with the Los Angeles Unified School District and local colleges in the African Diaspora Outreach Program (ADOP), BIRSAAS aims to enhance college enrollment and retention by offering workshops and application assistance.
By combining academic and immigration support, BRISAAS empowers Black immigrant and refugee students to succeed in education, fostering long-term equity and opportunities in Los Angeles County.

Los Angeles County aims to build a more inclusive community for Black immigrant and refugee students and families by offering academic, language, immigration, and social support. BRISAAS empowers families through schools, colleges, and community partnerships.
Economic Mobility
English skills improve academics and increase undocumented immigrants’ job prospects by 2.5 times, promoting self-sufficiency.
Integration and Belonging
Stronger language skills reduce isolation and help students engage with peers and teachers, fostering connection.
Equity in Opportunity
Targeted support expands access to education, healthcare, and employment, helping close opportunity gaps.
Our LAUSD and college partnerships offer two-way mentorship—college students support ESL learners while gaining cultural competency.
BRISAAS envisions a more equitable Los Angeles—one student and one community at a time.