To recruit, empower, and support migrant families by providing services that will enable them to effectively reach their educational goals.
The Migrant Education Program (MEP) is a nationwide federally funded program. It was established by an amendment to Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) of 1965, an initiative designed to help all disadvantaged children. The law to continue the Migrant Education Program has been reauthorized every five years since that time. The latest reauthorization was in 1999 as part of the Improving America's Schools Act (IASA). MEP provides both supplemental education and support services to meet the unique needs of the children of migratory agricultural workers. The Metro II MEP is one of 8 Regions in Colorado and is under the Colorado Department of Education. It serves students in Adams, Arapahoe and Boulder counties. Metro II serves about 4,000 students, ages 0-22, in 7 school districts.
As a result of their mobile lifestyles, these children have unique educational needs. Their schooling can be frequently interrupted as their families move in search of agricultural work. In many cases they also face the effects of poverty, language and cultural barriers. They often fail school or are at risk of failing. The Migrant Education Program is based on the premise that with the right supportive services, migrant children can meet the same challenging academic achievement standards that are expected of all children.
To qualify for the Migrant Education Program, a child must have moved within the past three years across state or school district lines with a migrant parent or guardian to enable the child, the child's guardian, or a member of the child's immediate family to seek temporary or seasonal employment in an agricultural, fishing, or food processing activity. Children from birth through age 22 who have not graduated from high school are eligible for services. Children can qualify even if their parents did not find the job they were looking for or if they have changed jobs since.
To find out more about the Migrant Education Program, call 720.322.8100.
Click here to view the Migrant Education website.