South Carolina Migrant Education Program (MEP)

The South Carolina Migrant Education Program (SC MEP), administered by the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) through its Office of Federal and State Accountability, is a federally funded initiative authorized under Title I, Part C of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Its primary mission is to enhance educational opportunities and academic success for migratory children and youth—students whose education has been disrupted due to their families’ temporary or seasonal agricultural or fishing employment. The SC MEP subgrant provides supplementary educational and support services during the school year and summer/intersession periods, ensuring these students can meet the same challenging academic standards as their peers and earn high school diplomas. Eligible applicants include local educational agencies (LEAs), public or private agencies, or partnerships demonstrating the capacity to manage and deliver services to migratory children within designated service areas. Applicants are encouraged to serve students across multiple LEAs when possible and may also propose to identify and recruit eligible students. Approximately $250,000 in total funding is available for the 2024–25 grant cycle, with the SCDE anticipating around four subgrant awards. Funding decisions are based on the quality and scope of applications, as well as demonstrated need. The performance period runs from June 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025. Reimbursement-based funding will be available after June 1, and applicants must have sufficient operating funds to cover at least three months of expenses before reimbursements are issued. The SC MEP funds direct supplemental services that target four key areas: proficiency in English Language Arts, mathematics, school readiness and family engagement, and high school graduation and dropout prevention. Services may include tutoring, in-home instruction, family literacy, health and nutrition referrals, summer programs, and career readiness for out-of-school youth. Applicants must align their proposed activities with the SCDE's statewide comprehensive needs assessment and service delivery plan, which includes measurable program outcomes such as minimum supplemental instruction hours and demonstrated gains in academic assessments. Applications must be submitted online by June 7, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. and include a range of materials such as a program narrative, a GEPA statement, a budget narrative and summary, a pre-award audit questionnaire, and various signed assurances. A pre-application technical assistance session was held on May 20, 2024, and access to the recording is available upon request. Reviewers will score applications based on their completeness, alignment with program goals, quality of services proposed, and the capacity of the applicant to deliver and evaluate results effectively. The evaluation process will consider not only the strength of the proposed program but also the applicant’s historical performance, including compliance with reporting and financial management expectations. Subgrantees are expected to report program data into the MIS2000 system, participate in required trainings and site visits, and ensure that services are offered first to students designated as Priority for Services (PFS). Additionally, coordination with other educational and community services is encouraged to provide holistic support for migratory children. Zachary Taylor serves as the primary point of contact for this opportunity and can be reached via email at [email protected] or by phone at 803-391-9393. While the current cycle’s application deadline has passed, the recurring nature of this program suggests that a new round may be announced in 2026. Applicants are advised to monitor the SCDE’s grants portal or contact the program office to prepare for future submission windows.

Align activities with measurable outcomes and priority services for PFS students; ensure evidence of cross-agency coordination and meaningful parent involvement.