BROOME COUNTY, N.Y. -- The American Civic Association in Binghamton is working with a local college to help immigrants and refugees seeking a higher education.

The ACA and Broome Community College hosted a workshop to give out information on how to apply for financial aid, what classes to take and what scholarships are available.

It can be particularly difficult for refugees and immigrants to get into college because they are unaware of all the help that's out there. The director of admissions at BCC says a lot of immigrants are ready for higher education, but still hesitate.

"A lot of times they're fearful about am I ready to take that next step to come back to college. And by coming to events like this, I think it helps them to realize that we're out there and what we have to offer," said Jenae Norris, Director of Admissions at BCC.

Norris says the large adult population at BCC also helps older immigrants feel more at ease while attending classes.