Teachers in the Migrant Education Program create supportive spaces where students strengthen core skills and grow with confidence.
Migrant farm workers often face significant educational barriers, especially due to the disruption caused by seasonal agricultural work, which can leave students falling behind. Cesar Chavez knew this struggle, having attended 36 schools as a migrant farmworker before leaving in the 8th grade. Today, the Chavez Foundation’s Education team seeks to help students through the Migrant Education Program. Established in 1966, the Migrant Education Program remains committed to ensuring migrant students achieve academic success and are prepared for a bright future.
The Cesar Chavez Migrant Education Program, created by the Cesar Chavez Education Fund, serves students from TK through 8th grade with a focus on strengthening literacy, language, and math skills. Tailored to the unique needs of migrant families, the program can be completed in person, virtually, or in a hybrid format. Rooted in Cesar’s core values, the program helps students learn about his legacy while exemplifying the impact they can make. Certified teachers with cultural competence facilitate the program, and a family partnership approach ensures flexible options that meet the community’s needs. With a 93% attendance rate, the program demonstrates strong engagement and success.
Students are encouraged to engage, ask questions, and take pride in learning.
These programs help students achieve academically, boosting their confidence along the way. Our Manager of Programs, Erika Hall, recalls one student in particular who was struggling in school. Through the program, he received support in a targeted small group led by an instructor and gained access to an engaging online platform. Over the course of the program, he grew academically and received an award for achievement in math.
Families served by the program value it for many reasons. Their schedules are often unpredictable, and the program’s flexible hours support student success. The family outreach team offers real-time bilingual support, helps students navigate technical issues, and ensures students stay connected daily when working online. When partnering with districts, the Chavez Foundation team ensures support extends beyond the classroom and looks at families’ unique needs.
The Migrant Education Program builds connection and learning, in person or online.
The program has left a lasting impact on its facilitators and staff. One group of students that made a powerful impression through their enthusiasm and passion for learning came from Atwater, California. Program facilitator Isabel Garrison shared, “They were such a joy to work with and eagerly awaited my arrival on Zoom every single day! They were talkative, enthusiastic, and ready to engage in every lesson. Our SEL sessions sparked meaningful conversations, and it was clear they valued the time we spent together. I will genuinely miss them!”
Time and time again, we have seen that students succeed when their community supports them and they have access to needed resources. Notably, 86% of students in our Education Fund’s Migrant Education Program maintained academic proficiency or showed growth, and 88% achieved their individual goals.
Together with districts and county offices of education, we’re helping students access the tools and resources that fuel their success. Explore how the Education Fund is shaping brighter futures through innovative programs.
Learn more about the Education Fund at chavezfoundation.org/education-fund/.