Preparing Migrant Students to be College and Career Ready

Impact to My Classroom

# of Students Impacted: 10

The Senior Migrant Spring Retreat’s goal was to inform and prepare college bound migrant seniors for their college journey. We wanted to prepare students to be successful and not only graduate high school, but also graduate college. There are instances where parents inform the migrant program, or we hear that the students have dropped out of college after their first year. The first year of college can be challenging and students need to know that they have to adjust and persevere to be successful. With that in mind, three guest speakers came to talk to the migrant students that have been accepted or committed to a college. The speakers talked about some of the hardships they may encounter, but no matter what persevere and find a way to graduate. One specifically discussed how it impacted family and how she felt different from others in college due to her upbringing and background experiences. Another speaker was able to discuss the available resources at college and how to seek help. He emphasized that seeking help is not a bad thing. Another speaker discussed how you may not be successful at first, but that doesn’t mean you give up. Always seek resources and your family to meet your goal and graduate. Despite being discouraged with grades and professors, this individual became a doctor. It was a little different than he envisioned, but he found his purpose and achieved his goal. Many students were surprised when a doctor said he failed multiple times and was told he would never be a doctor. The students started creating their action plan and asked questions, some difficult, like how do you tell your family that you want to attend a college further away from home or that you may want to join a club while at college. Students were also grateful for the lunch and snacks that were provided, especially since it was a half day of school. They also like the notebook, book of sticky notes and bag to help them take notes during the retreat and for future use. Many of the students commented that they were glad they attended especially since they almost did not since it was a half day. 

We did have 25 migrant students register, but only 10 attended. After asking the students and calling home, found out that some went to work or had to watch siblings since it was a half day. 

• Spring Retreat Agenda
• Spring Retreat Flyer