Migrant Education Program
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What is the Migrant Education Program?
The MEP is a federally funded program that assists migratory farm worker students in achieving academic success. It is free and confidential.
Who Qualifies?
Children and youth whose families have moved to Buncombe County* within the last three years in search of work in agriculture. The MEP serves youth ages 3-21 who have not yet completed high school.
*This includes families who live in Buncombe County but migrate to other areas for part of the year.
What does the word “migrant” mean?
A person who comes to Buncombe County seeking temporary or seasonal work in agriculture. This includes planting, picking, cultivating, harvesting, or packing agricultural products or working on a dairy farm or nursery.
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Why does this Program exist?
Migrant work is by definition temporary or seasonal, creating difficulties for migrant families who move frequently. Students face significant barriers to education and healthcare, including:
~ Interrupted schooling due to frequent moves
~ Unfamiliarity with the U.S. or local educational system
~ Limited English proficiency
~ Parents can't help with school assignments
~ Does not know where to go for help with social services and medical issues
What does the program offer eligible students?
- ~ Home visits to explain the program and connect the family to community resources
- ~ Interpreters for parent-teacher conferences and school or community events
- ~ Parent meetings to discuss ways to help students succeed in school
- ~ Academic help - which might include summer programming, tutoring, or other activities and follow-up on student progress
- ~ School supplies and backpacks
- ~ Help finding health resources and transportation to medical appointments
- ~ Free books and materials for English language learning or improving content area skills (reading or math, e.g.)
- ~ Assistance in transferring records to new schools
Whom do I call to refer a family to the MEP or for more information?
Ina Jones, Coordinator - 828.776.1911
José Infanzón Chávez - Migrant Outreach Specialist/Recruitment - 828.777.2297
Nancy Moore, Migrant Outreach Specialist/Data - 828.255.5998
Ginny Barrett, Director of Federal Programs - 828.255.5966
We welcome the opportunity to speak with you about the program.