Migrant Education Program
The Migrant Education Program (MEP) is a set of education-related services for children of migrant families working in Washington state. The goal of MEP is to ensure migrant students reach challenging academic standards and earn a high school diploma.
Where did the Migrant Education Program come from?
How does the Migrant Education Program work?
Who is eligible to participate in the Migrant Education Program?
How can I enroll my child in this program?
Where can I find more information about the Migrant Education Program?
Where did the Migrant Education Program come from?
MEP began with the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 and continues under the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 [Title 1, Part C]. Before these laws, in 1962, the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction raised private funds for the first education project for migrant children in Washington, in the Grandview School District. Sumner and Moses Lake school districts followed soon after.
How does the Migrant Education Program work?
The program provides the following services for migrant students and their families:
- Preschool
- Tutoring
- Summer school
- Health programs
- Family home visits and academic counseling
- Student leadership opportunities
- Dropout prevention or return to school services
- Alternative education
MEP also collects and tracks education-related data about migrant students, and distributes information to migrant students and families.
Who is eligible to participate in the Migrant Education Program?
Eligible children are those who:
- Are younger than 22 and do not have a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Are the child or spouse of a migrant worker, or who are a migrant agricultural worker.
- Have moved within the last 36 months because of temporary or seasonal agricultural employment from one school district to another.
How can I enroll my child in this program?
Contact your school or school district office to find out about MEP services offered in your district.
MEP serves migrant children regardless of their citizenship status. State law requires that all children residing in Washington receive a free public education.
Where can I find more information about the Migrant Education Program?
- Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, Migrant & Bilingual Education Programs
- U.S. Department of Education, OESE, Office of Migrant Education