In the Beginning is a student-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that began in Chicago with a small group of refugee students, including Rohingya genocide survivors. What started as a local effort has grown into a nationwide initiative, with volunteers and tutoring programs expanding across the United States.
As our community has grown, we now support students and families from a wide range of backgrounds, including refugees from Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Iraq, Somalia, Syria and Sudan. Many of these students have faced significant challenges, and we aim to provide a safe and welcoming space where they can feel supported both academically and personally.
We offer one-on-one tutoring in core subjects such as English, Math, Science along with music and art classes. Our volunteers are students who are passionate about helping others, and we serve not only as tutors, but also as mentors and friends.
Beyond academics, our goal is to help students build confidence, form meaningful connections, and feel a sense of belonging in their new communities. We believe that with the right support, every student can grow, succeed, and move forward with hope.