WelcomeWay
Creators: Miki, Nicole and Ryan
School: Middle School Students from I.S. 98 Bay Academy
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Project Themes: Rights, Protections, & Advocacy
About this Project
WelcomeWay is an app that can help immigrants live the life they deserve. They will not have to deal with ICE Agents and corrupt people. They can learn their rights on the app while having role play experiences. They can also read articles on their rights and learn how to talk to an Agent.
Project Links
Professional Feedback
Hey Miki, Nicole, and Ryan!
Immigration is such an important issue right now, and it affects the lives of so many people, so I’m really glad you chose to address it. It’s one thing to read stories and make assumptions, but it’s completely different to hear the experiences of someone who has personally struggled through the immigration process. Interviewing someone directly was a very important choice because it helped ensure your project reflects the real needs and challenges immigrants face.
The features your app provides are very thoughtful, and I especially like how the information is organized in a way that is easy to navigate during both planning and emergency situations. Guiding users through important information step by step can help reduce a lot of the stress and uncertainty that comes with navigating such a difficult process.
One feature that could make the app even stronger would be a language selection page before the login screen so users can immediately access information in the language they are most comfortable with. Since many immigrants may not speak English fluently, this would make the app far more accessible. It could also be valuable to include free English-learning resources or a section with simple, essential phrases to help users adjust more comfortably.
I’m also glad the app includes support for finding jobs while immigrants work toward stability. To build on that sense of comfort and security, it could be helpful to highlight businesses and community spaces that are known to be immigrant friendly. Since immigrants of all ages go through this transition, adding teen-focused resources or account options could also help younger users feel more supported as they adjust to new schools and cultures.
Overall, your project is incredibly impactful, and I can tell there is real passion and heart behind it. Keep up the amazing work! I’m excited to see where your creativity and compassion take you next.
Immigration is such an important issue right now, and it affects the lives of so many people, so I’m really glad you chose to address it. It’s one thing to read stories and make assumptions, but it’s completely different to hear the experiences of someone who has personally struggled through the immigration process. Interviewing someone directly was a very important choice because it helped ensure your project reflects the real needs and challenges immigrants face.
The features your app provides are very thoughtful, and I especially like how the information is organized in a way that is easy to navigate during both planning and emergency situations. Guiding users through important information step by step can help reduce a lot of the stress and uncertainty that comes with navigating such a difficult process.
One feature that could make the app even stronger would be a language selection page before the login screen so users can immediately access information in the language they are most comfortable with. Since many immigrants may not speak English fluently, this would make the app far more accessible. It could also be valuable to include free English-learning resources or a section with simple, essential phrases to help users adjust more comfortably.
I’m also glad the app includes support for finding jobs while immigrants work toward stability. To build on that sense of comfort and security, it could be helpful to highlight businesses and community spaces that are known to be immigrant friendly. Since immigrants of all ages go through this transition, adding teen-focused resources or account options could also help younger users feel more supported as they adjust to new schools and cultures.
Overall, your project is incredibly impactful, and I can tell there is real passion and heart behind it. Keep up the amazing work! I’m excited to see where your creativity and compassion take you next.
What an incredibly thoughtful and impactful app you all have designed! The name of the app is absolutely spot-on for the need it is addressing. It is impressive how directly you addressed highly pertinent, current concerns facing people living in the U.S. today. One of the absolute standout features is the interactive role-playing element, which gives users a safe, practical space to practice interacting with authorities and build their confidence. Additionally, you did a fantastic job of keeping user experience in mind by centralizing everything—from tracking important deadlines to visa information—all in one convenient place. You should be incredibly proud of creating a tool that offers both practical organization and real-world empowerment.
To take this fantastic project to the next level, here are a few ideas for future updates that could expand your app's impact. Since English is often a second language for immigrants, introducing multi-language options would make your resources instantly more accessible and comforting to a wider audience. You might also consider adding a feature that allows users to upload and save essential documents directly to their phone’s mobile wallet (like Apple Wallet or Google Wallet) for quick, stress-free access when meeting with lawyers or officials. Finally, building in a localized directory to help users find trusted immigration assistance and lawyers right in their specific area would turn your app into an ultimate, all-in-one lifeline. Keep up the amazing work—you are already making a meaningful difference!
To take this fantastic project to the next level, here are a few ideas for future updates that could expand your app's impact. Since English is often a second language for immigrants, introducing multi-language options would make your resources instantly more accessible and comforting to a wider audience. You might also consider adding a feature that allows users to upload and save essential documents directly to their phone’s mobile wallet (like Apple Wallet or Google Wallet) for quick, stress-free access when meeting with lawyers or officials. Finally, building in a localized directory to help users find trusted immigration assistance and lawyers right in their specific area would turn your app into an ultimate, all-in-one lifeline. Keep up the amazing work—you are already making a meaningful difference!
