Karam Connections
A Service Immersion & Mentorship Program
After years of displacement and loss, Syria is entering a new chapter defined by return, rebuilding, and the possibility of connection. Karam Connections was created for this moment, providing a way to show up with skill, humility, and purpose, and to help shape what comes next alongside Syrian youth.
What is Karam Connections?
Karam Connections is a week-long service immersion program for exceptional high school students. Participants travel to Reyhanli, Turkiye to mentor displaced Syrian youth at Karam House, a world-class creative hub developed in partnership with innovators from NuVuX and MIT where young people turn ideas into action through design, technology, and storytelling. The program is led by Malik and Hana Osman, drawing on their own lived experience as mentors and practitioners within the Karam House ecosystem.
Mentorship Across Borders
High school students bring their skills into a shared creative space, learning as much as they teach, and building leadership through empathy and action.
By working inside Karam House, mentors become part of a vibrant ecosystem connecting Syrian youth, refugees, educators, and local communities.
Mentors live on site and work full-time inside the studio environment, collaborating closely with Syrian teens and Karam educators.
As a mentor, you will:
- Design and lead a hands-on workshop based on your expertise
- Guide youth through creative challenges and problem-solving
- Work in studios equipped with 3D printers, laser cutters, and digital media labs
- Build real relationships through shared work and collaboration
Apply to become a Karam Connections Mentor
We’re looking for:
- Proven expertise in a specific field
- Initiative and leadership
- Cultural humility and curiosity
- Adaptability in new environments
- A commitment to mentorship and solidarity
Karam Connections is selective, and spaces are limited. Applicants may be invited to a virtual interview.
Early Deadline: February 28, 2026
Decisions Released: March 15, 2026
Final Deadline: April 4, 2026
Decisions Released: April 18, 2026
Eligibility: Open to youth ages 18 and under.