ASPIRE: Advancing Solutions in Policy, Implementation, Research, and Engagement for Refugees
Advancing Solutions in Policy, Implementation, Research, and Engagement for Refugees (ASPIRE) is a Columbia University-wide initiative for the educational advancement of Syrian refugees. Led by CSSW professors Nabila El-Bassel and Neeraj Kaushal, the consortium includes senior faculty across Columbia’s professional schools (social work, public health, medicine, education, international affairs) who have the expertise, passion, and commitment necessary to constructively contribute to the global dialogue around successful refugee response. They aim to come up with innovative, multidisciplinary approaches to the Syrian refugee crisis. Currently, ASPIRE focuses on identifying the needs of Syrian refugees in in Jordan and Turkey in the areas of research, education, training and service.