The Michigan Refugee Assistance Program (MRAP) was founded on the idea that University of Michigan students who are passionate about helping refugees could do so right in their own back yards. The Michigan Refugee Assistance Program works closely with a local refugee resettlement agencies to connect students with volunteering opportunities, allowing students to work with and on behalf of refugees. MRAP's primary goal is to connect passionate students with these opportunities, not only to provide assistance in areas where it is needed most, but to also facilitate cross-cultural understanding between students and refugees. In addition to an in-kind volunteering effort, MRAP's Fundraising and Education & Advocacy committees work to generate public awareness of refugee issues and to create a welcoming community in southeastern Michigan for these new Americans.