Charity News

Uplift Youth Institute Launches New Comprehensive Support Programs for Immigrant and International Youth in the U.S.

Lisle, IL — 5th Dec, 2025 — Uplift Youth Institute (Uplift Youth Institute), a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, today announced the expansion of its full suite of support services — spanning academic support, career coaching, and mental health — designed to empower immigrant and international youth across the United States. Uplift addresses critical gaps in resources for newcomer youth, delivering tailored programs that foster academic success, professional growth, and emotional well-being.  Mission: Empowering Underrepresented Youth for Long-Term Success Uplift Youth Institute was founded on the conviction that immigrant youth — despite their talent, ambition, and contributions — often lack the support necessary to fully thrive in their adopted country. In many cases, language barriers, cultural adjustment, and limited networks prevent them from accessing educational and professional opportunities. Uplift’s mission is to fill that divide through a holistic, culturally sensitive support model that recognizes the unique challenges immigrant and international youth face.  “Our focus is more than short-term help,” said the leadership team. “We aim to build lasting capacity — helping youth gain the academic credentials, career readiness, and mental health resilience they need to succeed in the long run.” What Uplift Offers: A Three-Pronged Approach Academic Support Uplift’s academic support includes language programs, STEM bootcamps, admissions assistance, and scholarship guidance. This ensures that immigrant students receive the academic foundation and credentials needed to access higher education or training opportunities.  Often, newcomers struggle to navigate the U.S. educational system — from standardized testing to cultural transitions to financial aid. Uplift’s academic initiatives are tailored to bridge that divide, providing a pathway for immigrant youth to unlock their academic potential. Career Coaching & Job Placement Through its career coaching program, Uplift offers: 1:1 career coaching to help immigrant youth refine resumes, develop job-search strategies, and navigate U.S. hiring processes. Employer networking and training access via Uplift’s global network of mentors employed at leading U.S. and international companies — offering direct pathways to industry contacts, internships, and job referrals. Industry-specific career services aimed at sectors with high demand — including technology, engineering, finance, healthcare, business, and more — to broaden opportunities beyond the service sector, where immigrants are often overrepresented. Job-readiness training , providing specialized preparation courses on U.S. job market expectations, interview skills, and professional development. These services are especially critical given that many immigrant youth — despite strong academic credentials — face systemic barriers to entering high-demand professional fields. Uplift’s career coaching aims to level that playing field. Mental Health & Well-being Services Recognizing the emotional and psychological pressures often faced by immigrant youth — such as cultural dislocation, identity challenges, isolation, and stress — Uplift launched its mental health services in 2022.  Services include individual therapy, group sessions, crisis support, medication management, and stress & anxiety counseling — all tailored to immigrant experiences. The organization emphasizes cultural sensitivity and trauma-informed care, acknowledging the unique backgrounds and life stories of its community.  Uplift also offers resources for self-care, peer support, and mental health education, empowering youth and their families to recognize signs of distress and seek help.  Community & Network: Mentors, Volunteers, and Partnerships Uplift is powered by a robust network of more than 100 mentors, therapists, volunteers, and professionals — many of whom are immigrants themselves or have deep commitment to immigrant advocacy.  At the helm is a leadership team that brings together expertise from technology, finance, mental health, and community-building: The Founder & President, originally from abroad, combines academic credentials in computer science and mathematics with a vision to uplift immigrant communities. The Co-Founder & Vice President brings experience from global finance institutions and a background rooted in diverse cultures. A dedicated advisory board — including mental health professionals and veteran counselors — ensures high-quality, culturally sensitive support for participants. Additionally, Uplift partners with other nonprofit organizations to amplify reach and deliver resources to a broader population of immigrant youth and their families.  Through volunteering, mentorship, internship opportunities, or financial giving, supporters can play an active role in shaping brighter futures for immigrant youth.  Why This Matters: The Growing Need in the Immigrant Community Immigrant and international youth represent a growing and vital segment of the U.S. population. Their contributions — academically, culturally, and economically — are significant. Yet many are underrepresented in high-skill professions, under-supported in education, and underserved in mental health — often due to systemic barriers, cultural stigma, or lack of targeted resources. By bridging academic support, career access, and mental well-being, Uplift Youth Institute addresses root causes that inhibit long-term success. This holistic model recognizes that success is not only about job placement or academic credentials — but also psychological safety, community belonging, and sustainable growth. In light of rising social stressors — including economic uncertainty, mental health crises, and shifting immigration landscapes — the services Uplift provides have never been more essential. Invitation to Join: Mentors, Volunteers, Donors, and Partners Welcome Uplift Youth Institute invites individuals, companies, and philanthropic organizations to join its mission. Whether through mentorship, volunteering, project launching, or financial donations, every contribution helps create equitable pathways for immigrant youth. Specifically: Mentors: Professionals from diverse industries willing to guide youth on career paths, job searches, and workplace readiness. Volunteers: Individuals looking to support community outreach, mental health advocacy, or academic program support. Donors & Philanthropists: Funding helps maintain and expand free services — from counseling sessions to training courses. Partners: Nonprofits, educational institutions, and community organizations interested in collaboration for greater reach and impact. Quote from Leadership “At Uplift, we believe that immigrant youth shouldn’t have to choose between surviving and thriving. Our goal is to give them the tools — academically, professionally, and emotionally — to build fulfilling lives in the U.S.” — Uplift Youth Institute Leadership Team About Uplift Youth Institute Uplift Youth Institute (Legal name: Columbia Uplift Inc.) is a U.S.-based nonprofit (501(c)(3)) dedicated to empowering immigrant and international youth. Through academic support, career coaching, and culturally-sensitive mental health services, Uplift works to dismantle systemic barriers and support long-term integration, success, and well-being. The organization operates a large network of mentors, therapists, volunteers, and institutional partners, helping underrepresented youth access education, stable careers, and emotional support. Uplift welcomes mentors, volunteers, donors, and partners to join its mission. For press inquiries, partnership opportunities, or to learn how to get involved: Contact: Uplift Youth Institute ( https://upliftyi.org/ ) Address: 3030 Warrenville Rd, Ste 450-05, Lisle, IL 60532 Phone: +1 (718) 717-8304