For 50 years, WES has been helping people learn, work, and thrive in new places.
WES is a non-profit social enterprise dedicated to the economic, educational, and social inclusion of immigrants, refugees, and international students. As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, we reflect on the journey that has led us to realizing our vision more fully. Looking ahead with a focus on mission-driven innovation and collaboration, we envision a future where anyone can thrive anywhere.
Filling the gap
With a shared vision of inclusion, a group of friends, inspired by the experiences of one who had returned from Peace Corps service, embarked on a transformative mission that would change the international education landscape. In 1974, this mission led to the creation of WES. Their purpose was clear: to fill a critical void in the United States education landscape by offering credential evaluations to individuals with international credentials. In its inaugural year, WES completed 20 evaluations, laying the groundwork for a movement that would reshape the trajectory of international education. This pivotal moment marked not only the beginning of a significant undertaking, but also the start of a collective commitment to support immigrants, refugees, and international students in their efforts to pursue their academic and professional goals and dreams in the U.S. and beyond.
In 1974, WES completed 20 evaluations.
Today we have issued credential evaluations to more than 4 million individuals, based on more than 79,000 distinct major areas of study, from more than 60,000 institutions, in more than 200 countries.
Sharing information
What began as a simple collection of news clippings soon grew into a dynamic online hub of thought leadership in the realm of international education. Uniquely positioned to access a wealth of information in this field, WES created World Education News & Reviews (WENR) to share the invaluable knowledge of credential evaluation and international education with individuals and partners alike, advocating the development of inclusive processes and systems to support global mobility. Today, our commitment to expanding the knowledge base across education, workforce development, philanthropy, policy, and advocacy remains steadfast. Our experts at WES disseminate their knowledge through research initiatives, networks, and programs, such as the development of country-specific education profiles, white papers, and policy recommendations and briefs to provide insights to our stakeholders and community.
Serving Canada’s unique needs
Serving Canada’s unique needs
Esther T. Benjamin, CEO & Executive Director
Through our partnerships and operations in Canada since 2000, we have been able to serve many more people through international credential evaluations and other initiatives that reduce barriers and provide access to opportunities for immigrants, refugees, and international students. As we continue to grow and drive impact, our work in Canada will continue to serve as a model and remain an integral part of our path forward.
Serving Canada’s unique needs
Shamira Madhany, Managing Director, Canada, Deputy Executive Director
For a long time, one of the main barriers immigrants encountered coming to Canada was the lack of credential recognition. As a result, many people struggled to find comparable employment or opportunities to further their education. Bringing WES’ expertise to Canada has undoubtedly made a big impact on the lives of many immigrants, refugees, and international students. I am so proud of what we’ve accomplished and excited about what’s to come.
Esther T. Benjamin, CEO & Executive Director
Through our partnerships and operations in Canada since 2000, we have been able to serve many more people through international credential evaluations and other initiatives that reduce barriers and provide access to opportunities for immigrants, refugees, and international students. As we continue to grow and drive impact, our work in Canada will continue to serve as a model and remain an integral part of our path forward.
Shamira Madhany, Managing Director, Canada, Deputy Executive Director
For a long time, one of the main barriers immigrants encountered coming to Canada was the lack of credential recognition. As a result, many people struggled to find comparable employment or opportunities to further their education. Bringing WES’ expertise to Canada has undoubtedly made a big impact on the lives of many immigrants, refugees, and international students. I am so proud of what we’ve accomplished and excited about what’s to come.
Serving our communities
WES’ mission to drive meaningful, systems-wide change deepened with the launch of our social impact work in 2012. Since then, this work has expanded while remaining anchored by a commitment to ensuring that immigrants, refugees, and international students in the U.S. and Canada have equitable opportunity to build on their international experience, skills, and qualifications. On both sides of the border, community leaders, policymakers, and employers, as well as immigrants, refugees, and students themselves collaborate closely with WES to push for more inclusive communities, institutions, and economies. Together we are building a more inclusive future for all.
The Youth in Design pilot project meet up in Toronto.
A lasting impact
The 2019 launch of the WES Mariam Assefa Fund shines a spotlight on WES’ unwavering vision of an inclusive, racially just future. Through trust-based philanthropy, participatory grantmaking, and other innovative practices, the Fund works with hundreds of partners to help realize its vision of an equitable future where immigrants and refugees have ready access to wealth, power, justice, and opportunity.
187 receiving partners
$26 million in grants
250+ grants distributed
Expansion of global partnerships
Dedicated to adapting to the ever-changing landscape and the demands of its customers around the world, WES is helping people use their education and experience wherever they are and wherever they go. Through global partnerships with organizations such as the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) and Qualification Check, WES continues to strengthen its commitment to enabling global mobility, reducing barriers, and providing more individuals and organizations with services they can trust and rely on.
WES team meeting with the New Zealand Qualifications Authority team in their office in Wellington, New Zealand.
WES team meeting with Dr. (Mrs.) Pankaj Mittal (third from left), Secretary General of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) at the AIU headquarters in New Delhi, India.
WES team meeting with Dr. Makhapa Makhafola, Chief Operating Officer, South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) (far left), Nadia Starr, CEO, SAQA (middle right), Innocent Gumbochuma, Chief Finanicial Officer, SAQA (second from right) in Pretoria, South Africa.
WES team meeting with Edward Hall (second from right), Founder and CEO of Qualification Check
WES team visiting the University of Santo Tomas in Philippines.
Cheers to the next 50 years
As we continue pursuing our vision into the next 50 years and beyond, we’re recommitting to our mission: to help people learn, work, and thrive in new places. We’re innovating with new approaches, implementing new technologies, expanding mission investing strategies and commitments, and inspiring social change to help realize a future where anyone can thrive anywhere.
Celebratingyears
