Members of the Utah Refugee Scouts and program leaders asked the appropriations subcommittee for $250,000 in one-time support to continue scouting programs for refugee and immigrant youth.

Michael Nebeker, chair of Utah Refugee Scouts, and troop leaders described 16 years of work placing refugee children into scouting troops and cited outcomes including increased school graduation, scholarship offers for girls, lifeguard training and other workforce-related activities. Troop members recited the Scout Oath and Scout Law during the presentation; troop leaders stressed the program’s role in promoting inclusion, leadership and practical skills.

Nebeker said the program expects to support roughly 1,800 newly resettled refugees in the Salt Lake Valley this year and that the refugee-scouting program provides weekly activities and transportation for participants. "We're asking for $250,000 this year to continue running this program," he said.

Committee members expressed appreciation; one lawmaker thanked the troop leaders and recognized the program’s impact. The RFA will be considered during the subcommittee’s prioritization and funding process.