Colleges and universities in Washington state are still awaiting word on federal funding for migrant education programs for the upcoming school year.
The University of Washington’s College Assistance Migrant Program helps cohorts of students from migrant families enroll and succeed in college, including financial assistance.
The university is waiting to see whether it’ll be able to offer that support for this fall’s cohort.
Shoreline College President Jack Kahn said, at many community colleges, the federal dollars go toward programs key to their mission.
“The funds are vital to supporting adult learners, including many immigrants and English language learners who rely on the programs to pursue their education and career goals,” Kahn said.
Shoreline is still in the process of assessing the full impact of the delay in funding, Kahn said. The college is working closely with the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges and other local partners in hopes of maintaining continuity for students and staff in spite of the uncertainty.
“We appreciate state and federal efforts that are underway to resolve the situation, and just hope for a swift restoration of funding,” Kahn said.
The U.S. Department of Education recently unfroze billions in other school funding nationwide under bipartisan pressure. The department has cited concern that the migrant education money benefits people in the country without legal status.