The Illinois Migrant Education Program (MEP), managed by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), invites applications for its Fiscal Year 2025 Summer Migrant Education Program. The program provides supplemental educational services for migratory children aged 0–21 who have not completed high school or earned a high school equivalency diploma. The application period is open from December 24, 2024, to February 7, 2025, with proposals due by 5:00 PM CST. The grant term spans from April 1, 2025, to August 31, 2025.

The program aims to address the unique educational challenges faced by migratory children, including disruptions in schooling, language and cultural barriers, and limited access to resources. Priority is given to children identified as "priority for service" based on academic risk factors such as failing state assessments, being overage for their grade, or lacking English proficiency. Services include academic instruction, school readiness, high school credit accrual, postsecondary preparation, and ancillary support services like health and transportation.

Eligible applicants include public school districts, nonprofit organizations, charter schools, universities, and regional education agencies. Applicants must prequalify under the Illinois Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) and maintain compliance with state and federal guidelines. Applications must include a program narrative, objectives and activities, budget summary, and evaluation design. Proposals scoring under 70 points will not be funded, and funding is contingent on federal and state appropriations.

Grants are awarded based on the projected number of migratory children to be served, the severity of their needs, and the availability of other funding sources. Services must align with the Illinois MEP Service Delivery Plan and comply with federal guidelines under Title I, Part C of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Coordination with other programs, such as Title I, Title III, and McKinney-Vento, is required to maximize resources.

For further details or to submit an application, visit the ISBE Funding Opportunities page or contact migrant@isbe.net. This grant offers vital support to migratory students, ensuring equitable educational opportunities and addressing their unique challenges.