The Global Institute of Lansing

Program Overview

The Global Institute of Lansing is a non-profit organization that aims to provide adult refugees settled in the Lansing area educational assistance and the means to attain a high school diploma in an atmosphere of peace, respect, encouragement, and inspiration. At GIL, we believe that refugees are invaluable members of our community, and as such, deserve an accessible, quality education. We aim to build a stronger, more inclusive community through engaging those most in need of assistance and providing them a greater degree of self-sufficiency and economic opportunity through education.

GIL offers day classes for refugees age 20 and older (18 and 19 years old will be accepted on a case-by-case basis). The classes are held at the First Presbyterian Church of Lansing and meet Tuesday through Thursday from 10:00am to 2:00pm, and Thursday evenings from 6:00pm to 9:00pm. The classes are taught by a group of volunteer teachers. Once students are enrolled in GIL, they are then enrolled in an accredited on-line high school equivalency program and placed in a classroom with volunteer teachers to assist them through the program. After passing through each of the required 24 courses, the students receive an accredited high school diploma. If a student has attended high school in the United States prior to enrolling in GIL, it is possible that some of the credits they earned will transfer and count towards the 24 credits required in our program.

Cost Info

Student and Volunteer Success Stories

Since 2010, we have enrolled 167 adult refugee students and 65 have graduated with their high school diploma.