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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