Article by Julie Waechter, special to Adams State University
The Colorado Department of Education, Office of Migrant Education awarded a continuing grant of $1,085,300 to the Southwest Region Migrant Education Program (MEP) at Adams State University. Now in its 60th year, the MEP provides supplemental services to all identified students to ensure they succeed in school, graduate from high school, and transition successfully to post-secondary education or employment.
Esmeralda Martinez, MEP director, explained federal funding is awarded to states based on the number of migrant children identified, enrolled, and served during the summer and regular academic year. The Southwest Region MEP serves a yearly estimate of up to 624 students, aged 3-21, from 24 school districts in the San Luis Valley and Southwest Colorado. The program also works with youth who have left school, helping them earn a GED or enroll in college.
“Children may attend two or more schools in a given year,” Martinez said. “For families who come in the summer, we help them get ready for the school year and assess and address educational gaps.” She added, “Because migrant families may have other needs that must be addressed, we also help them find resources that help with utilities and home weatherization or provide coats and blankets, food and shelter.”
The Southwest Region MEP has a staff of eight who work with families of seasonal agricultural workers. The program connects families with community resources, monitors children’s achievements, and provides educational continuity as they change school districts.
