Migrant Education Program
The Illinois Migrant Education Program funds supplemental educational and support services for migratory children to reduce educational disruption and help them meet state academic standards.
Funder: Illinois State Board of Education
Due Dates (Anticipated): April 2027 (application opening, projected) | June 2027 (full application deadline, projected)
Funding Amounts: Annual formula-based awards; funding varies by region and need; typically supports full-year supplemental educational services.
Summary: Provides supplemental educational and supportive services to children of migratory agricultural workers to reduce educational disruption and help meet state academic standards.
Key Information: Forecasted: All dates are projected; transition to a formula grant model anticipated for next cycle.
Description
The Migrant Education Program (MEP) is a federally funded initiative in Illinois, administered by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), designed to support the unique educational and support needs of children of migratory agricultural workers. The program aims to reduce educational disruption due to frequent moves, address cultural and language barriers, and ensure that migrant children can meet state academic standards. MEP provides supplemental instructional and support services, including summer school programs, social work, advocacy, health services, and parent engagement, coordinated with regular school offerings. The program is transitioning to a formula-based grant model to allocate funding based on the characteristics and needs of migratory children in each service region.
