Reimage Foundational Program

Advocacy Training and Education Hub (ATE-Hub) is a nonprofit and refugee-led organization that is on the mission to provide education and livelihood programs to individuals whose chances for higher education are nonexistent (specifically, refugees and underserved host communities) by offering online higher-education learning opportunities and pathways to employment.  ATE-Hub is addressing the lack of access to higher education and meaningful employment opportunities for refugees and underserved host communities. This problem is particularly acute in refugee populations, where only a very small percentage have access to higher education. According to the UN Refugee Agency, only 5% of refugees have access to higher education globally. This lack of access to education and employment opportunities is a major obstacle for refugees seeking to rebuild their lives and integrate into host communities. It can also perpetuate cycles of poverty and dependence, as individuals are unable to acquire the skills and qualifications necessary to secure stable and well-paying jobs.

ATE-Hub's solution is to provide accessible and affordable higher education opportunities, including accredited Associate of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees, that prepare learners for skills-based employment. ATE-Hub has partnered with Southern New Hampshire University to offer accredited Associate of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees that offer high-quality education that is recognized by employers. Additionally, ATE-Hub's online learning platform makes it possible for learners to access education from anywhere, overcoming geographical barriers to education.

The scale of the problem is significant. According to the UN Refugee Agency, there are over 30 million refugees globally, and millions more who are displaced or living in underserved communities. In these populations, the lack of access to education is a major obstacle to economic self-sufficiency and social integration. This is where the journey at ATE-Hub begins. The Reimagine Foundational program prepares students for success in completing an international undergraduate program. We have identified numerous skills gaps in the refugee student community when it comes to transitioning from secondary school to an undergraduate university program. Skills such as digital literacy, numeracy, study skills, information literacy, academic integrity, and other soft skills. This preparation program has numerous benefits to the accuracy and equitability of our admission process. And after passing the program, students are then enrolled in Southern New Hampshire University’s degree program, giving them access to their chosen bachelor’s degree.

Our degree program is predominantly online, so secondary school graduates who are accustomed to face-to-face classrooms can find it challenging to master some online learning skills, communicate virtually with instructors, and create a professional digital presence. With the global COVID-19 pandemic creating a wave of disruptions across higher education and humanitarian sectors, online learning has made higher education even more accessible for refugees. This project leverages the capacity, expertise, and networks of ATE-Hub to serve as a bridge for refugees and host community members to enroll in the degree of their choice to acquire the skills and qualifications necessary to secure meaningful employment and build a better future for themselves and their communities.

The proposed solution is to pilot a new series of training that will prepare secondary school graduates in refugee and underserved communities to be university ready. This will be accomplished through a preparatory program that will provide targeted training to help beneficiaries acquire the skills necessary to transition smoothly into an online international undergraduate program.

The preparatory program is designed to address skills gaps in digital literacy, numeracy, study skills, information literacy, academic integrity, and other soft skills identified as barriers to successful enrollment in a university program. The program will be delivered in a classroom and online, through ATE-Hub's learning platform, to allow learners to transition from classroom-based learning to online learning.

The preparatory program offered by ATE-Hub is designed to address key skills gaps that can hinder the success of secondary school graduates transitioning to an international undergraduate program. The program will focus on developing digital literacy, which includes the ability to use digital tools, access online resources, and communicate effectively online. Numeracy skills, including mathematical reasoning and problem-solving, will also be a key component of the program, along with study skills such as time management, organization, and note-taking. The program will also provide training in information literacy, which includes the ability to locate, evaluate, and use information effectively, and academic integrity, which includes understanding the importance of citing sources and avoiding plagiarism.

The program will be delivered through a combination of classroom and online learning, making use of ATE-Hub's online learning platform. This approach will allow learners to develop their skills in both traditional classroom settings and online environments, providing them with the tools they need to succeed in an online undergraduate program. The platform will also allow learners to access course materials, participate in discussions and group activities, and receive feedback from instructors and peers.

The preparatory program will be led by experienced instructors who are familiar with the challenges faced by refugee youths and underserved communities. The instructors will provide personalized support and guidance to learners, helping them to identify areas where they need to improve and providing them with the resources they need to succeed.

This program will leverage ATE-Hub's partnership with Southern New Hampshire University to offer accredited Associate of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees. Upon completion of the preparatory program, beneficiaries will be enrolled in their chosen degree program. The online learning platform will allow beneficiaries to access high-quality education that is recognized by employers, preparing them for skills-based employment that they believed was no longer possible.

The project will use laptops, internet connectivity, and ATE-Hub's learning platform, to allow students to learn by doing throughout the preparatory program. These same gadgets will serve students as they join the Southern New Hampshire degree program. These technological resources will allow beneficiaries to access course materials, interact with instructors and peers, and complete assignments online. The project will also provide key insights into the feasibility of a preparatory program, helping ATE-Hub to continue improving and refining its programs and strategies moving forward.

The solution serves refugees and underserved host communities who have limited access to higher education and meaningful employment opportunities. These populations mostly face difficulties obtaining legal recognition and personal documents, accessing quality learning, education, and skills-building opportunities, livelihood programs, etc. Redefining access to quality education for these populations is a stepping stone toward economic self-sufficiency and social integration.

The target population includes refugees and displaced individuals, as well as members of underserved host communities who may face significant barriers to education and employment opportunities. These individuals come from low-income backgrounds or marginalized communities, or they may have experienced conflict, displacement, or other forms of hardship that have disrupted their education and employment trajectories. 

Currently, the target population faces significant barriers to accessing higher education and meaningful employment opportunities. For many refugees, only a small percentage have access to higher education, and some of those who do often face significant obstacles such as skill gaps, financial constraints, and limited access to educational resources. These obstacles can perpetuate cycles of poverty and dependence, as individuals are unable to acquire the skills and qualifications necessary to secure stable and well-paying jobs.

The solution addresses the needs of the target population by providing accessible and affordable higher education opportunities that prepare learners for skills-based employment. The preparatory program offered by ATE-Hub helps students develop essential skills such as digital literacy, numeracy, study skills, information literacy, and academic integrity. These skills are critical for success in an undergraduate program and can also help individuals develop the soft skills needed for professional success.

By addressing skills gaps and providing accessible higher education opportunities, the solution aims to help refugees and underserved host communities build a better future for themselves and their communities. Access to higher education can provide individuals with the knowledge, skills, and qualifications needed to secure meaningful employment and contribute to their communities.

As refugees who have successfully completed the Southern New Hampshire degree program, the team members are well-positioned to deliver this solution to the target population. We have personal experience with the challenges that refugees face in accessing higher education and navigating the complex systems involved in obtaining university degrees. As such, we understand the unique needs and perspectives of the communities we are serving and can design a program that is tailored to those needs.

The team is representative of the communities we are serving, as we are refugees and have faced similar challenges. We have personal connections to the target population and are embedded within the communities we are serving. As a result, we have a deep understanding of the cultural, linguistic, and social dynamics of these communities, which enables us to engage with the target population effectively.

To understand the needs of the target population, the team is actively engaging with them. We are conducting interviews, surveys, and focus groups to gather information about the challenges and barriers that refugees and underserved communities face in accessing higher education. We are also working with local community leaders, NGOs, and other stakeholders to ensure that our program aligns with the community's needs and priorities.

The design and implementation of the solution are meaningfully guided by the communities' input, ideas, and agendas. The team is involving the target population in every stage of the process, from the initial design to the implementation and evaluation of the program. This ensures that the program is culturally appropriate, relevant, and responsive to the needs of the communities we are serving. Additionally, the team is partnering with local organizations to leverage existing resources and expertise to maximize the impact of our program.

Given the high demand for solutions that address pressing global challenges (in our case, education solutions for refugees and communities with limited resources and opportunities), it is crucial to have access to the right partners and collaborators to maximize the reach and impact of our program.

Solve's network of partners and collaborators can help us overcome market barriers by providing access to a broader network of stakeholders, including potential donors, corporate partners, NGOs, and other organizations that can help us expand the reach and impact of our solution. By connecting us with these stakeholders, Solve can help us identify new opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and impact that we may not have otherwise considered.

Essentially, one of the key benefits of becoming a Solver is the mentorship program, which can provide valuable guidance and support to our team as we develop and implement our program. Through the mentorship program, we can be matched with experienced mentors with expertise in program design, implementation, and evaluation. These mentors can provide us with advice on how to refine our approach and identify areas for improvement, based on their own experiences and best practices in the field.

Additionally, mentors can help us navigate the complex systems and networks involved in higher education, particularly for refugees and underserved communities. By leveraging their networks and connections, they can help us identify potential partners, collaborators, and funding opportunities that we may not have otherwise considered.

In terms of funding opportunities, Solve may offer a variety of resources and support to help the ATE-Hub team scale its solutions. For example, providing ATE-Hub with access to grant funding, impact investments, or other forms of financial aid that can help the team expand its reach and impact. It would also be crucial to connect ATE-Hub with potential corporate partners, investors, and donors who may be interested in supporting ATE-Hub's solution that aims at helping hopeless communities redefine life boundaries.

Overall, Solve's mentorship program and funding opportunities are valuable resources that can help our team refine our approach, identify areas for improvement, and scale up the program to promote community impact.

Our solution is innovative in several ways. Firstly, we are addressing the issue of access to higher education for underserved communities in a comprehensive way. By providing a preparatory program that focuses on essential skills, we are not only increasing the chances of success for these students but also helping to bridge the education and employment opportunity gaps. This is a significant improvement over traditional approaches that often only address a single aspect of the problem.

Secondly, our program leverages both online and offline learning, which is especially important in the current context of the COVID-19 pandemic. By utilizing a blended learning approach, we can reach more students and provide flexible learning options that fit their needs.

Thirdly, our team is made up of refugees who have completed the same degree program we are preparing our beneficiaries for. This gives us a unique perspective and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by the communities we serve. By drawing on our personal experiences, we can design and deliver a program that is tailored to their needs.

Lastly, our revenue generation model, which includes fee-for-service contracts, allows us to become financially sustainable while still serving our target population. This approach ensures that our services are accessible to those who need them the most, while also allowing us to scale our impact and reach more people in need.

We believe that our innovative approach has the potential to catalyze positive impacts across the education and employment sectors and change the market by demonstrating that it is possible to provide high-quality education and training to underserved communities in a sustainable and effective way.

ATE-Hub's preparatory program for secondary school graduates from underserved communities is an innovative approach to addressing the skills gap in digital literacy, numeracy, study skills, information literacy, and academic integrity that often prevents these students from enrolling and completing undergraduate programs.

The program's uniqueness stems from several factors. Firstly, ATE-Hub is combining online and classroom-based learning to provide flexibility and convenience to its students. This blended approach is particularly relevant given the current global pandemic that has disrupted traditional education systems. By utilizing ATE-Hub's learning platform, students can seamlessly transition from classroom-based learning to online learning. Secondly, ATE-Hub is providing a holistic and customized approach to education by addressing soft skills such as academic integrity, study skills, and digital literacy. These are essential skills that many students lack, making it challenging for them to succeed in higher education.

Moreover, ATE-Hub's preparatory program focuses on underserved communities, such as refugees, who face significant challenges in accessing quality education due to their background. The program is not only designed to bridge the education gap but also to empower these students to pursue their educational and career goals. By doing so, ATE-Hub is catalyzing a broader positive impact in the education sector, especially in underserved communities.

Additionally, ATE-Hub's approach to sustainability is innovative. By focusing on revenue generation through fee-for-service contracts with governments and organizations, ATE-Hub is positioning itself as a reliable and self-sufficient organization. This innovative approach will enable ATE-Hub to continue providing quality education to underserved communities while sustaining its operations in the long term.

ATE-Hub's innovative approach could also change the market in several ways. Firstly, it could inspire other organizations to adopt a blended learning approach, especially in the wake of the current pandemic. Secondly, ATE-Hub's focus on soft skills could inspire other organizations to adopt a more holistic approach to education. Thirdly, ATE-Hub's approach to sustainability could inspire other organizations to explore alternative revenue streams beyond traditional grants and donations.

Essentially, ATE-Hub's preparatory program is innovative due to its blended learning approach, customized education, and focus on underserved communities. Moreover, its focus on sustainability through fee-for-service contracts is an innovative approach to funding education programs. This innovative approach could inspire other organizations to adopt similar models, thereby catalyzing broader positive impacts in the education sector.

ATE-Hub is measuring its progress toward its impact goals through a combination of qualitative and quantitative indicators. Here are some of the specific indicators we are using:

• Number of beneficiaries: We are tracking the number of refugees and underserved youth who enroll in the preparatory program, and the number of graduates who transition to higher education.
• Retention rate: We are monitoring the retention rate of beneficiaries in the preparatory program and their progression to higher education.
• Academic performance: We are measuring the academic performance of beneficiaries in the preparatory program, such as their grades, exam results, and feedback from teachers.
• Employment outcomes: We are tracking the employment outcomes of graduates, including the number of graduates who secure employment.
• Partnerships: We are evaluating the number and quality of partnerships we have established with universities, employers, and other organizations to ensure that we are meeting the needs of beneficiaries.
• Feedback from beneficiaries: We are collecting feedback from beneficiaries on the effectiveness of the program, including the quality of the curriculum, the support provided, and the impact of the program on their lives.
• Gender equity: We are tracking the gender balance of our beneficiaries, staff, and volunteers to ensure that we are promoting gender equity in all aspects of our work.
• Reduced inequality: We are monitoring the extent to which the preparatory program is reaching underserved communities and reducing inequality in access to higher education.
• Economic growth: We are tracking the economic impact of the program on the communities we serve, including the income and employment opportunities created for graduates and the businesses they start.
• Partnerships for the Goals: We are measuring the extent to which our partnerships with universities, employers, and other organizations are contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

ATE-Hub recognizes the importance of monitoring and evaluating our progress toward our impact goals to ensure that we are delivering high-quality programs and achieving meaningful outcomes for our beneficiaries. By collecting and analyzing data on these indicators, we can continuously improve our programs and strategies to increase our impact and contribute to a more sustainable and equitable future.

ATE-Hub's theory of change is grounded in the belief that access to education and skills training is a fundamental human right that can be used to unlock the potential of underserved populations, leading to more equitable and prosperous communities.

Our activities center around the delivery of a preparatory program that addresses skills gaps in digital literacy, numeracy, study skills, information literacy, academic integrity, and other soft skills identified as barriers to successful enrollment in a university program. This program is delivered both in-person and online, through our learning platform.

Our immediate outputs include the successful completion of the preparatory program by learners, with the acquisition of new skills and knowledge that prepare them for enrollment in a university program. We track these outputs through assessments, evaluations, and feedback from learners and other stakeholders.

The longer-term outcomes we seek are twofold. First, we aim to increase access to higher education for underserved populations, leading to improved employment outcomes and greater economic mobility. We measure this through metrics such as enrollment rates, graduation rates, and job placement rates for our learners. Second, we aim to promote social inclusion and reduce inequalities by empowering learners from marginalized communities with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in a globalized and digitally-driven world. We measure this through qualitative feedback from learners, as well as by tracking the diversity and inclusivity of our learner population.

We believe that by providing learners with the skills they need to succeed in higher education, we can help break the cycle of poverty and inequality that has held back so many individuals and communities. Our theory of change is supported by research that shows that higher education can lead to better employment outcomes, increased earning potential, and improved social mobility. We also believe that by focusing on the needs of underserved populations, we can help create a more just and equitable society.

To ensure the strength of our theory of change, we regularly engage with our target population to better understand their needs, challenges, and aspirations. We also partner with universities, NGOs, and other organizations to ensure that our program aligns with best practices and industry standards. Finally, we conduct regular evaluations of our program to assess its effectiveness and impact, using both quantitative and qualitative methods.

ATE-Hub's core technology is the use of online tools and platforms to deliver its preparatory program for underprivileged students. The online component of ATE-Hub utilizes laptops and tablets, Google Classroom, BrightSpace, WhatsApp chats, and virtual meetings for class discussions. These tools allow ATE-Hub to provide students with a high-quality educational experience regardless of their location or socioeconomic background.

Google Classroom and BrightSpace are learning management systems that enable ATE-Hub's teachers to create and manage course content, assignments, and assessments. These platforms also provide a space for students to interact with their peers and teachers through discussion boards and messaging features. By leveraging these platforms, ATE-Hub is able to create an engaging and interactive learning environment for its students.

In addition to the learning management systems, ATE-Hub uses WhatsApp for communication and virtual meetings for live discussions. WhatsApp allows ATE-Hub to stay in touch with its students and their families, providing updates and answering questions. The virtual meetings enable ATE-Hub's teachers and students to engage in real-time discussions, fostering collaboration and critical thinking skills.

By leveraging these technologies, ATE-Hub is able to provide a scalable and cost-effective solution to the lack of access to quality education for underprivileged students. The use of online tools also allows ATE-Hub to reach students in remote areas and overcome physical barriers to education.

ATE-Hub is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusivity in all aspects of our work. Our leadership team is intentionally diverse, with members from different ethnic, cultural, and professional backgrounds. We believe that having a diverse team ensures that our solution is more effective, relevant, and responsive to the needs of the communities we serve.

In addition to having a diverse team, we are committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusivity in all aspects of our work. Our team's goals for becoming more diverse, equitable, and inclusive include:

• Recruiting and hiring practices: We prioritize diverse candidate pools and strive to ensure that our hiring process is equitable and inclusive. We aim to eliminate any bias in the selection process and ensure that all candidates are evaluated fairly based on their qualifications, experience, and potential.
• Training and capacity building: We provide ongoing training and capacity-building opportunities for our team to promote awareness, understanding, and skills related to diversity, equity, and inclusivity. We also prioritize the use of inclusive language and behavior in all our communications and interactions.
• Collaborative partnerships: We seek to collaborate with partners who share our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusivity. We aim to build strong and mutually beneficial partnerships with organizations that represent diverse communities and are working toward social justice.
• Impact assessment: We regularly assess the impact of our solution on diverse communities and identify any potential disparities or barriers to access. We strive to ensure that our solution is inclusive and equitable and that it benefits all members of the communities we serve.

In terms of actions we have taken to achieve our goals, we have implemented the following:

• Recruitment and hiring: We have implemented blind recruitment practices to eliminate any potential bias in the selection process. We also prioritize outreach to diverse communities to ensure that our candidate pool is representative of the communities we serve.
• Training and capacity building: We have provided training on cultural competence and unconscious bias to our team members. We also prioritize ongoing training and capacity-building opportunities to promote continuous learning and growth.
• Collaborative partnerships: We have established partnerships with organizations that represent diverse communities and are working towards social justice. We prioritize collaboration and co-creation with our partners to ensure that our solution is responsive to the needs and priorities of the communities we serve.
• Impact assessment: We regularly assess the impact of our solution on diverse communities and identify any potential disparities or barriers to access. We use this information to refine and improve our solution to ensure that it is inclusive and equitable.

Overall, our approach to incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusivity into our work is an ongoing process that requires continuous learning, reflection, and action. We are committed to promoting a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusivity within our organization and in the communities we serve.

Our business model is focused on providing educational and training services to refugees and underserved host communities, with the ultimate goal of helping them access higher education and employment opportunities. Our key resources are our team of experienced and passionate educators, our learning platform, and our partnerships with universities and employers.

Our key activities include curriculum development, program delivery, and student support services, including counseling and career guidance. Our type of intervention is a blended learning model that combines online and classroom-based learning to deliver our preparatory program to our target population.

Our segments include refugees and underserved host communities, with a focus on secondary school graduates who lack the skills and resources to pursue higher education.
Our value proposition is to provide a supportive and empowering learning environment that equips students with the skills and confidence to succeed in university and beyond.

Our partners and key stakeholders include universities and employers, who work with us to provide pathways to higher education and employment for our graduates. Our channels for delivering our services include our learning platform, classroom-based learning, and partnerships with community organizations and schools.

ATE-Hub's cost structure is primarily covered through grants and donations from philanthropic organizations, corporations, and government agencies that support education and workforce development initiatives. ATE-Hub also leverages partnerships with universities and other educational institutions to help cover the cost of the preparatory program and offer scholarships to cover the cost of higher education for students who complete the program. In addition to these sources of funding, ATE-Hub also works to minimize costs by using open-source learning materials and leveraging technology to deliver the program efficiently and at scale. ATE-Hub also explores revenue-generating opportunities, such as offering consulting services and customized training programs for corporate partners, to help support its mission and sustainability over the long term.

Our revenue streams include consultation fees, grants from philanthropic organizations, and partnerships with universities and employers who provide financial support for our graduates. We will reinvest our surplus into improving and expanding our programs, as well as supporting our students through scholarships and other forms of financial aid.

In summary, our business model is designed to provide high-quality education and training services to refugees and underserved host communities, with a focus on preparing them for higher education and employment. We will achieve this by leveraging our key resources and partnerships, delivering a blended learning model that meets the unique needs of our target population, and ensuring that our fees are affordable and accessible. By doing so, we will create value for our students, our partners, and our communities, while also generating a surplus to support our ongoing growth and impact.

ATE-Hub's plan for financial sustainability is primarily centered around securing funding through a combination of grants and donations from individuals, organizations, and institutions interested in supporting our mission of providing access to education and training for refugees and underserved communities. This funding will be used to cover the costs of the preparatory program, as well as other ATE-Hub initiatives, such as career coaching and mentorship programs.

In addition to grants and donations, ATE-Hub will explore opportunities for revenue generation through fee-for-service contracts with governments and organizations. These contracts would involve providing training and support services to specific groups, such as job seekers or employees seeking to upskill.

Another potential revenue stream for ATE-Hub is through the sale of educational resources and materials developed as part of our training programs. These resources could include digital learning materials and textbooks that could be sold to individuals, schools, and institutions.

ATE-Hub also plans to explore partnerships with more universities and other higher education institutions to establish pathways for our graduates to continue their education. These partnerships could potentially result in revenue-sharing agreements, where ATE-Hub receives a portion of the tuition fees paid by our graduates.

Overall, ATE-Hub recognizes the importance of financial sustainability in achieving our mission and is committed to exploring various revenue streams while ensuring that our services remain accessible to those who need them most.

ATE-Hub has made significant progress toward achieving financial sustainability through a combination of grants and revenue generation. One key funding source is the annual grant of $20,000.00 from Southern New Hampshire University, which supports ATE-Hub's Associate and Bachelor's degree students. This grant has been critical in enabling ATE-Hub to provide scholarships and other forms of financial aid to students who would not otherwise be able to afford not only higher education but also the technology required to pursue the program.

ATE-Hub has also successfully secured external funding for research and consultation projects. For example, the University of Toronto awarded ATE-Hub a $7,000 grant to carry out a research project on education in communities with scarce resources. This grant not only provided much-needed funding for ATE-Hub but also served as a validation of the organization's expertise in the field.

Furthermore, ATE-Hub has explored various revenue-generating opportunities, including the sale of educational materials and services. By creating and selling educational resources, ATE-Hub can generate revenue while advancing its mission to provide education and training to underserved communities.

Overall, ATE-Hub's approach to financial sustainability has been partly successful in securing funding from multiple sources, including grants, and fee-for-service contracts, and continues to explore more external funding for research and consulting projects. By diversifying its revenue streams and exploring new opportunities for revenue generation, ATE-Hub has been able to achieve financial sustainability while also expanding its impact on communities in need.