The Somali Education Center (SEC) is an educational development program. SEC was started in 2001 by a group of volunteers to provide academic tutoring and enrichment to new Somali students who were falling behind in schools. SEC is a charitable, not-for-profit organization that was incorporated as a 501 (c)(3)

The Center provides tutoring in all subject areas for K-12 students. We emphasize math and science education, along with reading and writing. We believe that youth enrichment events and opportunities are an important component in educating our young people.

Another mission of SEC is to prevent involvement in drugs and crime among Somali youth. In addressing the issues, our STAND (Somali Teens Against Negligence and Delinquency) program coordinates with parents, community leaders, professionals such as lawyers and doctors and law enforcement agencies in providing interactive workshops for character and social skills development.

A program named LIGHTS (Lifting Immigrant Girls Hope in Technology and Science) was started with funding from the General Mills Foundation. The program focuses on creating interest and improving science and technology skills of Somali girls.

We also have an Adult Basic Education (ABE)program that provides adult students with language and other skills to help them make the transition from welfare to work.