Page 28 - Superintendent Annual Report 2023-24

Migrant Education Program
The goal of the Migrant Education Program (MEP) is to ensure that all
migratory students reach challenging academic standards and graduate with
a high school diploma that prepares them for responsible citizenship, further
learning, and productive employment. This federally funded program supports
high-quality education programs for migrant children who move among
districts/states and helps ensure that these students are not generalized by
disparities in curriculum, graduation requirements, state academic content,
and student academic achievement standards.

This support tackles academic and social challenges due to frequent moves. It
includes prioritizing students needing extra help, monitoring progress, offering Community outreach at annual Fiesta De Pueblo
tutoring, and providing individualized support. Through partnerships, the
social services provided encompass language interpretation, parent advocacy, referrals, and emergency meals.

The MEP experienced a significant increase in FY24, issuing 472 new Florida Certificate of Eligibility (COE) (877 new
students) compared to 646 in FY23. Of these, 42% are prioritized due to academic risks.

Expanding Support and College Exposure for
Migrant Students:
• Enhanced Tutoring: The MEP expanded its
extended learning opportunities tutoring program,
adding 14 programs in schools with high migrant
enrollment (including Belle Glade ES and K.E.
Cunningham/Canal Point ES) and two in charter
schools. This program now serves over 300 migrant
students.
• College Exploration: The MEP organized a three-
day college tour to support 24 migrant students
on visits to universities such as Florida Atlantic Migrant and ELL students during a college tour at Florida Memorial University
University and Florida International University.
Survey results indicate that 65% of students now understand college requirements, and 81% are aware of support
services.
• Graduation Rate Progress: The FY23 graduation rate for migrant students rose to 86.6%, narrowing the gap with
non-migrant students. This improvement is partly due to supporting grade 12 students with SAT and ACT preparation.

Building Bridges: How Community Support Benefits
Migrant Students

The MEP collaborated with partners to address migrant student
needs beyond academics. Here are some highlights:
• Clothing: The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW)
established a Kids Community Closet at the MEP West Tech
office, providing school uniforms and essential clothing to over
50 migrant children.
• Weekend Meals: Through a partnership with the Palm
Beach County Food Bank, over 500 migrant families received Ribbon cutting ceremony for the Migrant Education Program
weekend meals weekly during the school year, ensuring food Kids Community Closet
security for students.
• Financial Assistance: The Mexican Consulate offered economic relief vouchers to 100 agricultural workers in Belle
Glade, directly supporting migrant families.

28 Superintendent Annual Report 2023 - 2024