Education Program
Helping Karen families navigate life in a new country, from early arrival needs to longer-term community connection.
Rooted in community, built for the long term.
The Karen Organization of America exists to support Karen families in the U.S. and to carry the Karen community's voice into national policy regarding Myanmar (Burma).
Our mission
Standing with the Karen community in America, here and along the border.
Preserving Karen language across generations, promoting appreciation for cultural identity, and providing a voice for those in Kawthoolei and Burma through advocacy in Washington.
What we do
KOA's work spans direct support for newly resettled families, civic and cultural programming that keeps Karen identity strong, and policy advocacy that carries Karen voices into U.S. government decisions on Myanmar and Burma.
Civic engagement & culture
Karen New Year celebrations, Karen literacy and language resources, and civic programs that pass identity and participation on to the next generation.
Policy advocacy
Engaging Congress and federal agencies on legislation and policy affecting Myanmar and Burma and the Karen people, including the BRAVE Burma Act.
Education training
Guidance for college readiness, academic resources, job applications and interview preparation, citizenship testing, lawful awareness, and English literacy and language resources.
Specific partners, schedules, and referrals are being confirmed.
A voice in the room
“The Karen community's story doesn't end at resettlement — it continues in the decisions Washington makes about Myanmar and Burma.”
— Karen Organization of America
Our approach
We work at three levels at once: direct, practical support for individuals and families; community and cultural programming that keeps identity strong; and policy engagement in Washington, D.C. that connects community experience to legislation and federal decision-making.
Our values
Community first
Programs and advocacy priorities are shaped by what Karen families and community members actually need.
Cultural continuity
Language, tradition, and history are treated as living things worth actively passing on, not just preserving.
Principled advocacy
We engage government processes directly and transparently, on behalf of the community we represent.
Leadership and history
Leadership biographies and confirmed milestones are being prepared for this page.
