U.S. Africa Institute

About Us

U.S. Africa Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established to address the unique challenges facing immigrant, refugee, and international students and their families. We are a community of educators, students, and immigration advocates committed to advancing educational equity, immigration and racial justice, and global exchange programs.

Our Vision

We envision a more equitable and just society where immigrant, refugee, and international students and their families thrive in welcoming, supportive environments. Through systemic change and institutional engagement, we work to transform higher education and immigration systems to better serve underrepresented communities.

What We Do

Systemic & Institutional Change
We partner with institutional leaders and policymakers to create welcoming, thriving, and supportive environments for immigrant, refugee, and international students and their families. Our work focuses on bringing about lasting institutional and systemic changes through intentional engagement at all levels.

Capacity Building & Training
We provide capacity-building training to institutional leaders and government agencies, helping them implement policies, strategies, and resources that effectively support immigrant and refugee communities.

Coalition Building & Advocacy
We build a national coalition of higher education institutions, government agencies at all levels, and community organizations to advocate for immigrant students and their families through policy advocacy and direct service provision.

Academic Support & Student Services
We provide comprehensive academic support and services to underrepresented students, ensuring they have the resources needed to succeed in their educational journeys. We foster global education and exchange programs between U.S. and African institutions, creating pathways for cross-cultural learning and collaboration.

Our Approach

U.S. Africa Institute is redefining higher education access and immigration justice through an intersectional lens. We work at the intersection of higher education, immigration, and exchange programs, recognizing that these systems are interconnected and require comprehensive solutions and systemic change. By partnering with governmental and non-governmental agencies, we leverage our leadership to advance the interests of immigrant students and their families while contributing to stronger educational, community, and democratic institutions. Through strategic partnerships and systemic engagement, U.S. Africa Institute creates lasting change that empowers immigrant, refugee, and international students to achieve their full potential while enriching the communities and institutions they serve.

Mission Statement

Mission Statement

The mission of U.S. Africa Institute is to empower immigrant, refugee, international students, underrepresented students and their families through systemic change, institutional engagement, and policy advocacy. We work at the intersection of higher education, immigration justice, and international education to create equitable pathways to success and build welcoming communities where all can thrive.

Key Elements of Our Mission

Who We Serve
Immigrant, refugee, and international students and their families, with a particular focus on Black immigrant communities across Texas, California, and the DMV.

How We Work
Through systemic and institutional change, community organizing, and coalition building—partnering with educational institutions, government agencies, and community organizations to create lasting impact.

What We Do

  • Policy advocacy at institutional, state, and federal levels
  • Institutional capacity building and training
  • Coalition building across sectors
  • Community organizing and empowerment
  • Strategic partnerships with HBCUs, community colleges, and other higher education institutions

Our Unique Approach
We operate at the intersection of higher education, immigration justice, and international education—recognizing that these systems are interconnected and require comprehensive, coordinated solutions.

Our Impact
We work to put policies, strategies, and resources in place that create equitable, welcoming environments where immigrant, refugee, underrepresented and international students and their families can thrive and succeed.