Asian Pacific American & Refugee Student Services

About Us

Susan Osiago
Director
Languages: English & Swahili
Bio

Mission

By addressing language barriers, promoting understanding, and facilitating communication, Asian Pacific American Refugee Student Services supports the academic achievement, and personal growth of students and families from Asian Pacific American and Refugee backgrounds.

The departments work is grounded in progressive legal frameworks stipulated in U.S Supreme Court rulings Lau V. Nichols (1974), & Plyer V. Doe (1982) regarding non-discrimination and access to meaningful participation for English Language students in educational programs.

APARSS Strategic Plan SY 23-25
TUSD Strategic Plan

APARSS works directly with several TUSD departments and community partners to support:

Student Enrollment and Registration
Student Language and Academic Development
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Student Leadership Development, Advocacy, and Community Involvement
Student and Family Access to Community Resources, and Social Services
Community and District Intercultural Competency Trainings, and Professional Development
College Preparation and Application
Etc.

School Registration

We are committed to help students and parents/caregivers with school registration by providing translation and interpretation services in the following languages: Swahilli, French, Korean, Kirundi, Kinyawanda, Spanish, Portugese, Arabic, Aramaic, Kurdish, Dari, Farsi, Vietnamese, Pashto, Urdu and Hindi.

How to register for the school year 24-25
https://www.tusd1.org/how-to-register-2024-2025

World Refugee Day

Each year on 20 June, the world celebrates World Refugee Day, the international day to honour people who have been forced to flee. Together, we can champion their right to seek safety, build support for their economic and social inclusion, and advocate for solutions to their plight. https://www.unhcr.org/us/world-refugee-day

As home to hundreds of new refugees each year, the Tucson community comes together every June to remember the plight of refugees around the world and celebrate the lives of those who have been resettled in Tucson.

APARSS Hosts Inaugural Tip Top Event

Information sessions on Graduation requirements, scholarships and FAFSA.

Graduation Requirments

FAFSA (Federal Studnet Aid)
The 2024-25 FAFSA form is now available. They will begin sending submitted applications to colleges and states in the first half of March. Learn more about FAFSA updates. All eligible students should complete the FAFSA beginning Oct. 1st for the following school year. Watch for priority deadlines for the colleges of your choice.

Arizona Priority Deadlines (FAFSA Checklist)

Northern Arizona University – November 15
Arizona State University – January 1
University of Arizona – March 1
Pima Community College – March 1

Bio

Tucson Korea Ambassador Program - Departure

On February 3, Korean students said tearful goodbyes to their host families at the Tucson International Airport, as they prepared for their return home. See more photos from TKAP 2024 here.