“I joined RIYO, because it’s good way for me to get rid of fears, such as putting myself out of my comfort zone and who knows, maybe people will love my ideas."
Our Mission
Through our
youth-led
& community driven
programs, we help
a path to a
illuminate
brighter future.
As refugee and immigrant youth, we know firsthand how challenging it is to start life in a new country, culture, and language. At RIYO, we’re here to provide the tools, opportunities, and connections to rise above those hurdles. Together, we’re not just transforming our schools and communities—we’re shaping our futures. We celebrate what makes us unique and lift each other up as we chase our dreams in this new chapter.
Guided by our values, we:
Prioritize Learning: Education opens doors to endless possibilities, and we’re here to walk through them together.
Foster Leadership: We step up, take the lead, and create positive change that leaves a lasting impact.
Cultivate Connection: With the strength of community, we can tackle anything and come out stronger on the other side.
Eureca, Youth Navigator Fellow
Get To Know Our Team
As a refugee and immigrant-led initiative, RIYO’s founders deeply understand the unique challenges faced by youth in the community. We aim to provide a level of empathy and cultural understanding that sets us apart.
Meet RIYO
Who We Serve
RIYO is the go-to spot in Waterloo for newcomer youth looking to make new friends, learn English, explore future pathways and use their strengths to make a positive difference in the community now. RIYO youth are driven learners, connectors, and change-makers hailing from diverse backgrounds. Our programs support Pre-K all the way up to college seniors.
“My friends say it was going to be fun, and I wanted to see what the hype was about!”
“I joined to help my future. I want to learn English to get ahead to help my mom."
"I joined RIYO to help me learn English, but I really liked making new friends."
“I came to RIYO to have fun and learn something new, to make new friends.”
“I joined RIYO so I had something to do after school and to feel less stress.”
"My kids were excited, had fun, and for the first time were excited to return to school in August."
Youth Programming
RIYO's peer-to-peer, youth-led model empowers newcomer youth to shape their futures and make a difference, with 86% of surveyed students seeking more opportunities to give back.
Explore the RIYO Model
Empowering Youth Leaders
Explore the RIYO Model
Explore the RIYO Model
2023 Program Impact
150
In 2023, RIYO welcomed 150 newcomer youth speaking 13+ languages, and backgrounds from 15 unique countries!
65%
Of students surveyed said it was their first time attending an after school program.
95%
Of Middle School students surveyed said, “I’m more excited to go to school after attending RIYO”
96%
Of High School Students felt more confident they could reach their goals!
100%
Of after school participants would recommend RIYO to a friend!
100%
Of students have said they felt more connected with peers in school.
Our Partners
RIYO partners with schools, universities, and community organizations to empower refugee and immigrant youth. Collaborations with the University of Northern Iowa’s Arts, Literacy, and TESOL departments, along with student organizations, provide youth with innovative teaching practices, literacy support, and leadership opportunities. Through our focus on experiential learning for teachers, RIYO equips educators and student-teachers with real-world experience while building a hub of youth leadership and educational excellence.
can make a difference today!
You
Your impact matters! Help us create a brighter future for refugee youth in Waterloo.
Make a Donation
Impactful Change
Community Collaboration
Grassroots Leadership
Cultural Understanding
Sustainable Change
Impactful Change
Community Collaboration
Grassroots Leadership
Cultural Understanding
Sustainable Change
Impactful Change
Community Collaboration
Grassroots Leadership
Cultural Understanding
Sustainable Change
Impactful Change
Community Collaboration
Grassroots Leadership
Cultural Understanding
Sustainable Change
Impactful Change
Community Collaboration
Grassroots Leadership
Cultural Understanding
Sustainable Change
Copyright 2024 - Refugee and Immigrant Youth Organization
