Migrant Education Program

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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.

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

Whom do I call to refer a family to the MEP or for more information?

Liceth Sherlin, Coordinator - 828.776.1911
Yoanna Corea Argueta, Migrant Outreach Specialist/Recruiter - 828.777.2297
Nancy Moore, Migrant Outreach Specialist/Data - 828.768.2512
Katie Hobbs, Migrant Outreach Specialist/Programming - 828.768.2512
Blanca Heredia, Migrant Outreach Specialist/Recruiter - 828.775.2072
Jeanann Yates, Director of Federal Programs - 828.255.5966

We welcome the opportunity to speak with you about the program.