Grand Rapids, MI

THE REFUGEE EDUCATION CENTER

EIN 06-1770896

Education & Youth Development Early Childhood & Preschool Immigrants & refugees Children & youth

Mission

We support refugees in their journey to become fully participating members of the West Michigan community. We envision a thriving, multicultural West Michigan community where all have an opportunity to pursue a better future!

IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) public charity Contributions are tax-deductible

Claim this page Visit refugeeeducationcenter.org

About THE REFUGEE EDUCATION CENTER

The Refugee Education Center (REC) is a Grand Rapids-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2006 to support refugee children, families, and school personnel through education, navigation services, and community partnership. REC operates a range of programs from early childhood education to K–12 supports and family navigation that remove barriers to school success and community participation. Research for this profile confirmed the organization’s EIN (06-1770896) matches public nonprofit filings and that REC files Form 990s; REC maintains an active web presence and continues program operations in West Michigan. In the last 2–3 years REC has expanded early childhood capacity through the Boston Square Early Learning Center, sustained its BRIDGES K–12 programming, and received multi-year grant support from regional funders.

Notable achievements

Operator of Boston Square Early Learning Center

Selected to operate the Boston Square Early Learning Center (BSQ-ELC) to provide affordable, culturally responsive early childhood education for children ages 0–5 in southeast Grand Rapids.

Measurable K–12 outcomes (BRIDGES)

REC’s BRIDGES program reports strong school-readiness outcomes: program data show a 98% improvement in students’ understanding of school expectations and 90% of participants in the 0–3 program assessed as developmentally on track.

Long-term community impact

Founded by Somali Bantu community leaders in 2006, REC has grown into a regional education and family-support nonprofit, serving thousands over two decades (more than 6,000 historically and 1,000+ individuals in recent program reports).

At a glance

Total assets: $1.6M
Annual revenue: $2.8M
Tax status: 501(c)(3)Public charity
EIN: 06-1770896
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
Website: refugeeeducationcenter.org
On Mahalo since: September 2026

Financial figures from the IRS Business Master File, the IRS’s registry of tax-exempt organizations.

Recognition

Chosen through a rigorous IFF/Amplify GR selection process to be the early childhood education provider for the Boston Square Early Learning Center.

Recipient of multi-year grant support from regional funders, including Steelcase Foundation and the Grand Rapids Community Foundation, to support program expansion and operations.

Registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit with regular Form 990 filings demonstrating transparent financial reporting and governance.

Is this your organization?

Claim this page to keep it current — add your logo, publish campaigns, and reach the donors and advisors discovering you on Mahalo.

Claim this page