UCIS is a proud sponsor of and Pitt host for the annual PRYSE academy.

PRYSE Academy is where the innovative work of ARYSE began. In 2013, the program was created by a passionate group of volunteer undergraduates from The University of Pittsburgh alongside local refugee youth leaders. While ARYSE has grown into much more than PRYSE Academy alone, that original spirit of justice, creativity, determination, and resourcefulness remains the same.

PRYSE Academy takes place over the course of 5 weeks in the summer and, starting in 2022, will be hosted on the University of Pittsburgh's Oakland campus. The program serves refugee and immigrant youth in grades 6-12 representing over 15 different countries of origin and is designed to provide a culturally competent and articulated curriculum to support the academic, social and emotional development of each student. Participants develop critical literacy skills, achieve social and emotional growth, and deepen their sense of belonging in Pittsburgh as they prepare for success in the academic school year and beyond.