The information in this blog post is current as of March 24, 2025.
The Children’s Immigration Law Academy (CILA) is excited to announce the release of Understanding and Navigating the Education System – A Guide for Unaccompanied Youth. This educational guide is available in English and Spanish.
It is designed to help unaccompanied youth and newcomer students understand the K-12 public education system in the United States, their educational rights, and the opportunities available to them. A high school education can have a significant impact on a young person’s future, and this guide aims to provide the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the public education system successfully. The guide is divided into ten sections, covering essential topics such as enrollment, school programs, examinations, high school graduation, and pathways to higher education, including financial aid and tuition support. Several sections include a Challenges and Guidance table, which outlines common obstacles—such as difficulties with enrollment—and offers practical solutions, including who to contact for assistance.
While educational systems vary by state, this resource provides a general overview to ensure unaccompanied youth have the information they need to make informed decisions about their education. We hope this educational guide is shared with and used by unaccompanied youth. At CILA, we believe in the potential of every youth to succeed, and we hope this guide empowers them to reach their goals.
Should you have any thoughts about materials that should be added to future editions of the educational guide, we also welcome that feedback. You can reach out to cila@abacila.org!