The events unfolding in Ukraine are heartbreaking, tragic, and distressing. If you’re reading this now, there’s a good chance that you’re a student of Berklee Online. We currently have several students who are studying with us from Ukraine and Russia. These are your classmates, your collaborators, and in many cases, your friends.

We reached out to all of these students, and received replies that sounded both fearful and optimistic for peace in their homeland soon. Many say they are finding solace in their studies. Music can be both a welcome distraction and a form of healing for all of us when the world seems so uncertain. 

We are hoping for a swift and peaceful end to this humanitarian crisis and its reverberations throughout our global community. Our shared Berklee values of mutual respect and caring for each other will serve us well as we move through this together.

If you are looking for a way to help, here are some recommended organizations that are working to support the people of Ukraine.

  • The International Rescue Committee has a long history of providing resources to refugees fleeing countries in crisis. The IRC is currently working with organizations in Ukraine and Poland to provide an array of assistance. 

Donate to the International Rescue Committee Now

  • Mercy Corps is a global team of humanitarians working together on the front lines of crisis, disaster, poverty, and climate change. The organization is currently mobilizing a team to the region to assess where help is most needed.

Donate to Mercy Corps Now

  • World Central Kitchen is an organization founded by chef José Andrés with a mission of providing meals in the wake of crisis. Within days of Russia’s invasion, they’ve started the #ChefsForUkraine initiative, providing free, hot meals to refugees at border crossings, and to people within Ukraine. 

Donate to World Central Kitchen Now

  • Airbnb.org is the non-profit side of Airbnb where you can donate to fund a place to stay for those fleeing Ukraine. You can also offer to host refugees. Donations to Airbnb.org will be matched by Airbnb’s founders and their families, up to USD $10 million total, through April 30, 2022.

Donate to Airbnb.org Now

We want to remind you that if you’re a student, your Berklee Online advisors are here to support you during this difficult time. You can reach out to them, no matter where you are in the world. You, your families, and loved ones remain in our thoughts.

Debbie Cavalier, CEO
Berklee Online 

Erica Muhl, President
Berklee College of Music


 Published March 1, 2022

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