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Migrant Education Students Recognized for Outstanding Academic Achievement

Posted on: Friday, 23 June 2006, 12:00 CDT

HARRISBURG, Pa., June 23 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 110 migrant education students from across Pennsylvania were honored today by Education Secretary Gerald L. Zahorchak for graduating from high school.

"Governor Rendell's vision for Pennsylvania's students is focused on all students - regardless of circumstance and without exception - so they can become academically proficient and graduate from high school ready for post- secondary education and a career," said Zahorchak during today's event at the Pennsylvania State Museum. "The Migrant Education Program is an important tool in our strategy to ensure all students receive the necessary support to be successful.

"I am impressed by the achievements of these new graduates and by the commitment of everyone who works with these students to guarantee their success."

A total of 288 high school seniors participated in the department's Migrant Education Program. Many of the graduates have earned college scholarships in recognition of their outstanding academic and personal achievements.

"The Migrant Education Program encouraged me to do better academically through its summer and leadership programs and after-school tutoring sessions," said Brenda Reyes, a graduate from Adams County who participated in the summer program for three years and has been awarded a four-year scholarship to Georgetown University. "Their help has empowered me to believe that I can succeed in life."

In operation since 1967, the Pennsylvania Migrant Education Program is a state- and federally-funded program that helps local school districts coordinate educational continuity programs for children of migrant workers.

During the 2005-06 school year, the program aided more than 15,000 students. Nearly 9,000 of them participated in the program last summer. Since its inception, the Pennsylvania Migrant Education Program has served almost 25,000 migrant students in 104 districts.

Pennsylvania Migrant Education Program students are 86 percent Latino, 8 percent Asian, 5 percent Anglo, and 1 percent African-American. The average migrant family moves five to 10 times each year.

Since taking office, Governor Rendell has increased education investments by more than $1.2 billion. The proposed 2006-07 education budget increases Pennsylvania Migrant Education Program funding to $847,000 and overall PreK-12 education funding to $8.6 billion - a $527 million increase. In addition to the Pennsylvania Migrant Education Program, many migrant education students participate in the state's Education Assistance Program (EAP), which provides tutoring support to struggling students. During the 2005-06 school year, $66 million was provided for EAP and more than 51,000 students received tutoring. This year's proposed budget also maintains EAP funding with another $66 million. For more information about the education budget, visit http://www.pde.state.pa.us/.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Below is a list of student speakers from today's event: -- Olga Baron, from Lancaster, will attend Millersville University. -- Sopheavy Lim, from Philadelphia, will attend Penn State University through their CAMP Program (College Assistance Migrant Program.) -- Brenda Reyes, from Adams County, will attend Georgetown University on a full scholarship. -- Perla M. Rodriguez, from Luzerne County, will attend Penn State through the CAMP Program. CONTACT: Michael Storm (PDE) (717) 783-9802

Pennsylvania Department of Education

CONTACT: Michael Storm, Pennsylvania Department of Education,+1-717-783-9802

Web site: http://www.pde.state.pa.us/

Source: PRNewswire

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