Pennsylvania Secretary Pedro Rivera Honors 2017 Migrant Education Graduates

HARRISBURG, Pa., May 25, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Secretary of Education Pedro A. Rivera and the Pennsylvania Department of Education yesterday honored the 2017 graduates of the Migrant Education Program at the Forum Auditorium in Harrisburg. The group awarded certificates to 150 students who participated in the program and are graduating from Pennsylvania high schools or GED programs.

"The graduates of the Migrant Education Program have earned this honor by working hard throughout their entire lives. The challenges they have faced and the obstacles they have overcome over the years are unlike those that many other students across the commonwealth have experienced," Sec. Rivera said. "These students are prepared to take the next step in life and well-equipped for continued success. They are prepared for productive employment, continued education, and meaningful, active contribution to the commonwealth."

Of the students who completed the high school segment of the program, 280 will be receiving their high school diploma and 2 will receive their General Educational Development (GED) diploma.

The Pennsylvania Migrant Education Program provides educational and social support to the children of migratory workers. Since its inception, the program has served more than 350,000 students from birth to age 22. The program ensures that migrant students:

• Receive appropriate educational and support services that address their special needs in a coordinated and efficient manner;
• Receive services that help reduce the educational disruptions and other problems that result from repeated moves;
• Overcome the challenges of mobility, cultural and language barriers, social isolation, and other factors associated with a migratory life, in order to succeed in school, and to successfully transition to postsecondary education or employment;
• Are not penalized by disparities among the States in curriculum, graduation requirements, and State academic content and student academic achievement standards;
• Receive full and appropriate opportunities to meet state content and student performance standards that all children are expected to meet; and
• Benefit from state and local systemic reform.

The mission of the program is "to ensure that all migrant students achieve challenging academic standards and graduate with a high school diploma (or complete a GED), and upon graduation are prepared for responsible citizenship, further learning, and productive employment." To achieve that mission, PA-MEP provides after-school and summer programs, in-home programs and health and social support services, parental involvement, advocacy and enrichment.

MEDIA CONTACT: Casey Smith, 717-783-9802

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Education

Related Links

http://www.state.pa.us