Infinite Possibilities: Art and Hope (Refugee Art Project)

The Refugee Youth Project

The Refugee Youth Project (RYP) is a comprehensive after-school program designed to support refugee and immigrant youth in Baltimore by providing academic assistance, social integration, and enrichment opportunities. Offered twice a week, RYP helps students develop English language skills, complete homework, and engage in activities that foster personal and academic growth. The program partners with local schools, community organizations, and universities to provide structured learning, mentorship, and cultural engagement tailored to students’ unique needs.

In addition to academic support, RYP offers enrichment activities such as STEM, arts, and leadership development in collaboration with partners like MICA, Towson Dance, and LetsGo. Transportation is provided to ensure accessibility, and site coordinators accompany students to ensure their safety. RYP also connects students and families to broader resources, including high school and college access programs, workforce development, and social services.

Funded by the Maryland Office for Refugees and Asylees (MORA), RYP is committed to empowering refugee youth and their families by providing stability, resources, and opportunities for success. By fostering a supportive community, RYP helps students navigate their educational journey while strengthening their sense of belonging and integration.”

Anna Sellheim

Anna Sellheim is originally from Washington DC. She earned her MFA in comics from the Center For Cartoon Studies in 2016. She has been published by the Nib, Oni Press and Seven Days (Vermont’s Alternative Weekly Newspaper). She also has contributed to a number of anthologies, most notably Dirty Diamonds and Comics For Choice, an anthology of nonfiction comics about abortion that raised over $30,000 for the National Network Abortion Fund. Her work primarily deals with health, trauma, and the healing power of art.

She now works at the Refugee Youth Program, where she teaches art and comics to refugee youth ages 5-21 throughout Baltimore City. She helps guide her students into creating their own healing art practices, while also using comics as an opportunity to solidify their English skills. One project of note, the RYP Zine, is an anthology created by her students at Patterson High School. The sales of the initial print run has raised over $1000 for the student snack fund.