We enrich the vitality of our community by helping immigrants achieve an empowered life with dignity, connection, and belonging. The International Institute of Akron, a 501(c)3 nonprofit agency founded in 1916, welcomes immigrants and refugees to Akron to make our community their home. IIA stands ready to assist Ukrainian refugees when called upon.

As of now, we have not gotten any indication from the federal government that Akron will be a resettlement site when the United States opens the resettlement program to victims of the war in Ukraine.

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History Report

IIA was founded in 1916 by the Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) to help foreign-born women integrate into American society. After the United States entered World War I, the International Center broadened its scope to assist both men and women affected by the war. In the 1930's, the International Center officially separated from the YWCA and began to receive funding from the Better Akron Foundation, a predecessor of the United Way.

Employment Services Report

We provide a full range of employment services at no cost to immigrants and refugees looking for employment, as well as to area employers looking to fill their job openings. Our goal is to successfully match our clients with jobs that meet both employer and client needs. To fully understand which jobs best suit our clients, we discuss their prior work experience, as well as the kind of work they wish to pursue. We then assist them with obtaining that goal. Our clients receive job readiness training and orientation to the American workplace.

Immigration Legal Services Report

Our legal team includes three full-time immigration attorneys, and a BIA accredited representative. With the support of interns and law students, we provide low cost immigration legal services to immigrants throughout Northeast Ohio. We specialize in family immigration, asylum, removal defense, citizenship, and visas for survivors of crimes and human trafficking.

Integration Report

Newcomers play an important role in Akron and Summit County in growing our population, supporting our workforce, diversifying our universities, purchasing homes and starting small businesses - all drivers of economic prosperity. Newcomers also bring new perspectives, ideas, diversity, and culture to the fabric of our neighborhoods.

Alex Boyanov

Dec 11, 2021

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Very warm and welcoming center, professional free classes in english.

Mohammed Aloufi

May 18, 2020

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Good place to volunteer or do an internship. The staff are friendly and you can choose the time that is suitable for you to come to the institute.

Nsenga Rwema

May 04, 2018

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Good place if u need any information about being US citizen.

Ingrid Maida

Jun 11, 2017

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A wonderful place to learn another languages and cultures. The teachers are very very very nice, kind and didatic. An incredible place to make friends e have new experiences.

Matthew Micozzi

Mar 27, 2017

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They do as good a job as they can. Terrible parking g situation

Sonja Pagniano

Feb 22, 2017

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The Institute is a great place to work and volunteer if you are passionate about nonprofits, international relations, intercultural communication, and refugees and immigrants.

Ahmad AlKhatib

Feb 19, 2017

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They seldom answer their phone. Keep you waiting forever, spaces inside their offices are poorly designed.