Story by Jennie Trejo. Photos provided Inspire NextGen.
“I knew I wanted to help people from underprivileged communities, especially in areas like education and mentorship,” Pareeni shares. Her passion, paired with a sharp eye for identifying needs, led her to create an organization that goes beyond traditional tutoring by including mentoring support. “What sets Inspire NextGen apart is our holistic approach. We don’t just help students succeed in school; we aim to build their confidence and leadership skills.”
Pareeni’s journey began as a leader of her high school’s chapter of Girl Up, a United Nations initiative supporting women in third-world countries. While impactful, Pareeni yearned to make a difference closer to home. After connecting with refugee families in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, she was struck by their resilience and the untapped potential of the children she met.
“They had dreams and goals but lacked the resources to pursue them due to barriers such as financial hardship, access to high-quality school districts, and little to no mentorship opportunities,” Pareeni says.
Inspire NextGen started small, with female volunteers from Pareeni’s Girl Up chapter tutoring refugee children in STEM subjects and current events. The program quickly gained traction, especially after shifting online during the pandemic.
“Going virtual turned out to be a blessing in disguise,” Pareeni explains. “It allowed us to expand our reach beyond Dallas-Fort Worth to students in states like Ohio, Michigan, and Pennsylvania.”
Refugee students often face unique challenges adapting to new schools and communities. Inspire NextGen addresses these challenges by focusing on building trust and fostering personal connections.
“When many of them started with us, they were very reserved,” Pareeni shares. “It was tough to build connections, especially on Zoom. But by consistently asking questions and showing genuine interest, we became trusted faces in their lives.”
This trust has paid off. Pareeni explains how students now eagerly share their achievements and challenges with mentors. “We’re not just there to tutor them in math or science; we’re there to support them in deeper ways– to help them transition to a new country, build confidence, and navigate challenges beyond academics.”
Since its inception, Inspire NextGen has seen a threefold increase in volunteers. What started as a team of high school students has grown into a diverse group of college volunteers from institutions like SMU, UT Austin, and UT Arlington. The organization offers various roles beyond tutoring, including curriculum development, social media management, and external partnership coordination.
“I think what draws so many students to join us is the opportunity to develop valuable skills while giving back,” Pareeni says. Volunteers gain leadership, research, and communication experience while contributing to a meaningful cause. This growth has enabled Inspire NextGen to serve more students and establish impactful partnerships with organizations like Genesis Women’s Shelter and Vogel Alcove.
Refugee students often face unique challenges adapting to new schools and communities. Inspire NextGen addresses these challenges by focusing on building trust and fostering personal connections.
“When many of them started with us, they were very reserved,” Pareeni shares. “It was tough to build connections, especially on Zoom. But by consistently asking questions and showing genuine interest, we became trusted faces in their lives.”
This trust has paid off. Pareeni explains how students now eagerly share their achievements and challenges with mentors. “We’re not just there to tutor them in math or science; we’re there to support them in deeper ways– to help them transition to a new country, build confidence, and navigate challenges beyond academics.”
Since its inception, Inspire NextGen has seen a threefold increase in volunteers. What started as a team of high school students has grown into a diverse group of college volunteers from institutions like SMU, UT Austin, and UT Arlington. The organization offers various roles beyond tutoring, including curriculum development, social media management, and external partnership coordination.
“I think what draws so many students to join us is the opportunity to develop valuable skills while giving back,” Pareeni says. Volunteers gain leadership, research, and communication experience while contributing to a meaningful cause. This growth has enabled Inspire NextGen to serve more students and establish impactful partnerships with organizations like Genesis Women’s Shelter and Vogel Alcove.
Looking ahead, Pareeni envisions Inspire NextGen growing nationally and even internationally. “The ultimate goal is to establish regional teams or offices in other states, enabling us to tutor and mentor students in person,” she shares. She also plans to broaden the range of students served, focusing on children from various underserved communities.
Partnerships will be key to this expansion. “Once you collaborate with one organization, it opens the door to working with others that share similar missions,” Pareeni explains. By leveraging these relationships, Inspire NextGen aims to bring its unique blend of academic support and mentorship to even more communities.
At its core, Pareeni believes that Inspire NextGen is about more than academics. It’s about providing a lifeline to children who often face overwhelming challenges. Pareeni’s personal motivations stem from the transformative power of mentorship in her own life.
“The mentorship I received through the Hunt Scholars program at SMU showed me how much a good leader and mentor can shape someone’s journey,” she said. “During my time in the program, the upperclassmen guided me through college. They shared advice on career paths, leadership opportunities, and personal development, setting an example of what good mentorship can do.”
Through Inspire NextGen, Pareeni and her team aim to replicate this impact, empowering students to overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams. “Our goal remains the same: to grow our impact and help as many people as possible,” she concluded.
As Inspire NextGen continues to expand, it serves as a shining example of how one person’s passion and persistence can create a ripple effect, transforming lives and communities along the way.
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