Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware Offers Migrant Programming

For more than twenty years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware has been a provider of the Migrant Education Program. Created and funded by the Delaware Department of Education, the program seeks to assist the children of migrant families who travel seasonally to Delaware for agriculture work before returning to their home states. Each summer, our Greater Milford and Western Sussex Clubs offer this program to over 80 youth who come from a variety of backgrounds.

The program is designed to support high-quality comprehensive educational programs and services that address the unique educational needs of migratory children. The seven-week long program offers enrichment activities and learnings to support the education of attendees. Certified teachers and para-professionals work with students to improve their reading and comprehension in order to ensure that members receive the opportunity to meet the same challenging state-academic standards required of all children. Along with the curated math and reading curriculum, members also participate in arts and crafts and other creative activities. Pre- testing allows teachers to identify which areas of focus should be top priority for each student. At the end of the seven weeks, a post test is administered to analyze the growth of each child. “I enjoyed seeing the kids involved in the program be given the opportunity to indulge in the excitement of attending the club,” says Marcus Prattis, Program Director for the Wester Sussex Club. “It's always a pleasure to see children excited to come to the club and displeased to leave.”

Events like Family Night help parents to understand the purpose of the program while allowing them to become involved with the Club. “We’ve received a lot of good feedback from families. Parents are very satisfied with the program” said Marlene Duffy, Program Director at the Greater Milford Club. The program has seen great success year after year, ensuring that participants feel prepared for the school year ahead.

The Clubs focus on small group sessions, providing each child with the individualized support they need. In additional to lessons and activities, the program also connects students and parents with outside resources and opportunities like the STEM program at Salisbury University. These resources further equip members with the resources and knowledge they need for success.

The migrant program is one of the many ways Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware works to prepare Delaware’s youth for Great Futures. We’re thankful for partners like the State of Delaware who help equip our Clubs with the ability to provide specialized services that meet the unique needs of our members.

To learn more about the Migrant Education Program, visit https://education.delaware.gov/educators/whole-child-support/family-services/migrant-education/