Learning, Engaging, Participating: Exploring Newly Arrived Migrant Students' Pathways in Education and Society – PATHWAYS

PATHWAYS follows newly arrived migrant youth as they transition from preparatory education to mainstream education or upper secondary school, and further into more independent participation in Finnish society. This mixed-methods research utilises existing data on the development of these students' skills and school engagement during preparatory education in 2024 and 2025, and combines it with data on the same students' later progress. The picture is complemented with classroom and community observations, ecomaps, interviews with the youth, their significant others and teachers, and photo art created by the youth with professional artists. PATHWAYS provides valuable insights into the conditions in schools and society that promote the success and integration of migrant youth. The results are put into practice through peer mentoring for youth, professional training for teachers, and an art exhibition. The findings can also develop more equitable education and migration policies.