Since 2015, the Aurora Public Schools Welcome Center has served as a trusted hub for immigrant and refugee families joining our district. We support newcomer students and families by providing orientation, needs assessments, advocacy, and community connections.
We also partner with APS schools and staff to ensure culturally responsive practices, equitable access to services, and effective communication with families. Our work is grounded in the belief that when families feel welcomed, informed, and supported, students and schools thrive.
Mission
The APS Welcome Center partners with refugee and immigrant families, schools, and district staff to ensure newcomer students are supported academically, socially, and emotionally.
We foster strong relationships, promote inclusive practices, and connect families and educators to the tools and resources needed for full engagement in school life and long-term success in the Aurora community.
Vision
All newcomer students and families are welcomed, empowered, and equipped to thrive with schools and staff supported to serve them with excellence and equity.
Our Core Values
At the APS Welcome Center, our work is grounded in values that reflect our commitment to both newcomer families and the APS community. These values guide how we serve, collaborate, and lead.
- Equity: We work to remove systemic barriers and ensure fair access to services and support for all newcomer families and the schools that serve them.
- Respect: We honor the languages, cultures, stories, and strengths of newcomer families, and support schools in doing the same.
- Empowerment: We equip families with the tools to advocate for themselves and support schools in creating inclusive environments where those voices are heard.
- Collaboration: We build bridges between families, schools, and community partners to foster mutual understanding and student success.
- Compassion: We serve with empathy, recognizing the challenges faced by newcomer families and the importance of supporting educators who serve them.
Our Strategic Goals
Our goals embody a deep commitment to empowering newcomer families, strengthening APS schools, and fostering a vibrant, inclusive community:
- Orientation & Ongoing Support
Deliver timely, culturally responsive orientation and needs assessments for newly enrolled newcomer families, followed by sustained support that advances student success and strengthens school-family partnerships.
- Championing Equitable Access
Advocate to ensure all newcomer families receive the language services and academic supports they need, while collaborating with schools to provide equitable access to resources that promote student achievement.
- Family Empowerment
Equip families with the knowledge and confidence to navigate the school system and actively participate in their children’s education, while guiding schools to cultivate inclusive, family-centered practices.
- Student Support & School Collaboration
Partner with school staff and district leaders to foster newcomer students’ academic growth and social-emotional well-being.
- Cultural Affirmation
Celebrate and elevate the cultural and linguistic strengths of newcomer families, supporting APS educators in creating affirming and inclusive learning environments.
- Community Connection
Link families and schools with community resources that promote stability, wellness, and engagement, building a foundation for long-term student and family success.