HARRISBURG, Pa. — Hundreds of immigrant families watched their children walk across the stage, as they received their certificates for graduating the Migrant Education Program.
“That’s what it’s all about," said Dr. Khalid Mumin, the Pennsylvania Department of Education Secretary. "[It's] the opportunity for our students to be able to chart their own course.”
On Thursday, 224 students of the 2024 MEP Graduating Class were celebrated at HACC for graduating with their high school diplomas. MEP is a federally funded program that provides educational support services for children of immigrant families.
Dr. Mumin said the program allows students to help establish their roots in the Commonwealth.
“We want our learners to feel as though they belong in the education system," he said. "Therefore, it leads to future success where they’re able to cultivate their learning.”
Of the 224 graduates, 108 are pursing a college education, 47 are entering the workforce, and five are joining the military. Alanna Ramirez said the Migrant Education Program has been a life-changer for her and her family.
"This program is the main reason why I speak English right now," said Ramirez, who immigrated to the US from the Dominican Republic. "We were all alone here without my father and without a car, and we could call someone from the program to help us with that."
She added that the support from MEP staff allowed her to graduate high school and look towards a future college education.
“Knowing that you have other immigrants that are there for you and getting to know them, and they’re like, ‘We know you’re going through a process, and we can help.’ That has been a life-changer for us," said Ramirez.
As students prepare to start a new chapter in their lives, they hope to serve as inspiration to other kids who have recently made Pennsylvania their home.
“It’s awesome to be here to share my history and what I’ve been through to anyone who is looking for something to keep them going," said Ramirez.
Governor Josh Shapiro is asking for a $1 million increase for Pennsylvania's Migrant Education Program in his proposed 2024-25 budget. The program serves around 6,000 students and families each year.