The world is undergoing the most significant refugee crisis since World War II. Across the world, and especially in Syria, millions of high school graduates and college students are unable to pursue their dream of a college degree. Millions of students have been displaced from their homes and communities due to war, and face significant barriers to finishing their education.

While host countries and the UNHCR can provide primary education to displaced and refugee children, the young men and women pursuing a higher education face a much more difficult task. With language, logistical, and financial barriers to overcome, these students are unable to continue their education without institutional assistance.

That's why we urge universities to create scholarship opportunities specifically for displaced and refugee students to pursue a higher education. The Syria Consortium, created by the International Institute of Education (IIE) has brought together 40 universities who commit to offer displaced and refugee students a safe haven to continue their studies abroad. As places of academic and educational opportunity, this is the most practical way for universities to contribute humanitarian aid to displaced and refugee students. But we need more universities to join this effort.

The College of William and Mary accepts over 8,617 students every year, offering many generous scholarships. As students of WM, we think that some of the seats should go to displaced and refugee students who would otherwise have no education. We are calling on WM to join the Syria Consortium organized by the IIE to offer scholarship opportunities for displaced and refugee students from around the world, including Syrians. We hope that WM can be a leader to universities around the world by offering these students a second chance at getting their education.