Knowledge to the Max is a tutoring and scholarship program that aims to support the education of migrant and refugee children. The initiative was established in 2018 in cooperation with the BNP Paribas Foundation. The program accepts young people (age 9-17) living in Warsaw and attending Polish schools, especially those with learning difficulties and at risk of dropping out. Through systematic support, the program improves educational opportunities for foreign children and supports them in their individual development. Currently (school year 2024/2025), 100 children participate in the program, and 30 of them receive scholarships.
200
Number of children who have received
support since the beginning of the program
100
Number of children who participate
in the program in the 2024/2025
school year
30
Number of children who
will receive scholarships
Objectives and challenges
The main goal of the program is to equalize educational opportunities for children and young people with refugee experience and to prevent early dropout. The program’s support system is long-term in nature and is aimed at completing a stage of education, passing an exam, and acquiring specific qualifications and skills. The program responds to the complex challenges of migrant children, who often struggle with a language barrier, insufficient integration support in schools, difficult financial situation of families, discrimination and the baggage of difficult migration experiences.
Forms of support
The program’s cornerstone is tutoring. Each child receives one-on-one support from a volunteer tutor during weekly sessions. Beyond academic assistance, tutoring sessions focus on motivating the child and helping them achieve their educational goals. The second pillar is a scholarship program, offering USD 500 per academic year to help families cover education-related expenses. Scholarships can be awarded based on academic achievement or financial need.
The program also includes group activities both on and off-site, educational and cultural outings, recreational activities, and workshops (e.g. self-defense, financial literacy, career counseling). These group activities allow children to connect with peers who share similar experiences and build a sense of belonging. Thematic workshops cater to a variety of interests, including arts, science, and sports. Students preparing for the eighth-grade or high school exams participate in additional group classes in math, Polish, and English. Individual tutoring sessions are also available for subjects where a child may need extra support.
Mindful of the key role of parents and guardians in a child’s education, the tutoring program emphasizes the involvement of the entire family. Specialists support both parents and children in finding their way in the Polish educational system, planning their educational path, and in the recruitment process to secondary schools. By actively involving parents in school life, they support them in becoming full partners in their children’s education.
Program outcomes
Since its inception, the program has provided educational support to 200 children. Many of them participate in the program for several years. Consistent support has enabled them to successfully complete their education, pursue higher education or employment, discover and develop their passions, and build lasting friendships. In 2023, all students who completed primary school were accepted into secondary schools. By involving parents and offering support to siblings, the program fosters integration, independence, and active participation in community life for entire families.