The Refugee Center

The College of Southern Idaho's engagement in refugee resettlement commenced in 1980, led by Marvin Glasscock, the Director of Continuing Education, under the Indo-China Refugee Resettlement Program. Funded by a federal grant, the initiative focused on teaching English, home economics, and related skills primarily to Laotian families residing in Buhl and Twin Falls, with Lise Swedberg overseeing the program. Since its inception, the College has managed the program financially. Over the years, the program has undergone several name changes, including The Indo-China Refugee Resettlement Program, The Czechoslovakian Resettlement Fund, and the CSI Refugee Resettlement Program, before finally adopting the current name, College of Southern Idaho Refugee Programs, in 2004.