Migrant program escapes budget cuts
The Imperial County Office of Education oversees migrant education programs in 13 county school districts, which include about 9,400 migrant students.
Sandra Kofford, ICOE migrant education program senior director, said most migrants are from California but some move from state to state. She said most are American citizens.“These are our children, and we need to support their academic needs because they are part of the future of this country,” Kofford said.
Among the several programs offered to migrant students are the summer English immersion program, student leadership conferences, university campus excursions and the Migrant Education Even Start program, which helps young migrant children and their parents prepare for school and literacy.
The main goal, she said, is to help students graduate, though they also encourage students to pursue secondary education, as well.
