El Pomar grants $15,000 to Southwest Region Colorado Migrant Education Program

Article by Julie Waechter, special to Adams State

The Southwest Region Colorado Migrant Education Program (MEP), housed at Adams State University, received a $15,000 grant from the El Pomar Foundation’s San Luis Valley Regional Council, according to Esmeralda Martinez, Director of MEP. Based in Colorado Springs, the El Pomar Foundation provides grants to support arts & culture, civic/community initiatives, education, health, and human services.

The federally funded Office of Migrant Education at the Colorado Department of Education provides supplemental support to eligible migrant children and youth. The Southwest MEP serves 24 school districts across the region.

Senior Educational Advocate Diana Gonzalez said this grant focuses on encouraging and supporting college readiness. Martinez said Gonzalez, who earned a political science degree from Adams State in 2022, “is the superstar of student programming.” Both women are alumnae of the MEP.

Gonzalez explained a centerpiece of her program is mentoring, in which Adams State students are paired with junior and senior high school students.

“Our goal is to close the achievement gap, get kids to graduate high school, and pursue a college education,” she said. “Because our mentors have similar agricultural backgrounds, they are excellent role models for high school students. The students see how the mentors overcame similar challenges, which is very motivational.”

Students find the program very helpful, as one put it: “The Migrant Education Program (MEP) has helped me grow both socially and academically. Through MEP, I’ve had opportunities to connect with other students and build friendships, which made school feel more welcoming and supportive. The program has also guided me toward college by providing resources, encouragement, and information about my future options. Overall, MEP has helped me feel more confident at school and better prepared for life after graduation.”

Among the activities Gonzalez organizes are cultural nights, college visits, and presentations on financial aid and scholarships – all geared to build a college mindset. The El Pomar grant also provided iPads that will be awarded to the ten high school students who are most active in the program.

“The El Pomar Regional Council believes in the work we do and has helped us expand this initiative over the last five years,” Martinez added. “We very much appreciate this sponsorship; it is very impactful. Every penny we receive is well managed to maximize access to students.”