ESD 123 Migrant Education Program

We’re looking for opportunities to connect entrepreneurs to our migrant students and visit a local restaurant, where they can be hosted and hear directly from the owner about their journey.

If you or someone you know is a former migrant student who now owns a restaurant in the Tri-Cities area, please reach out to [email protected]. We’d love to connect our students with entrepreneurs in the restaurant industry and create an inspiring, real-world learning experience!

🌟 Thank You Thursday Spotlight! 🌟
This week, we are excited to highlight our incredible partnership with TC Futures and celebrate the work of our very own Migrant Out of School Youth Reengagement Specialists, Mariana Gamino and Adreana Gonzalez.
✨ Mariana nominated Carlos for Migratory Student of the Year, and we are so proud to share that he was honored at this year’s Washington Migrant Education Program State Conference!
Mariana shares:
“Carlos is truly deserving of this recognition because of the remarkable dedication and effort he consistently puts into his education. His hours of hard work have not gone unnoticed, everyone at the center sees how committed he is, spending entire days here focused on studying and improving himself. Carlos is never afraid to ask for help, always seeking out support when he needs it and fully taking advantage of every opportunity and resource our center provides.
What stands out most about Carlos is his attitude, is he approaches everything with humility, gratitude, and determination. No matter the challenges he faces, he remains thankful for the support he receives and makes the most of every chance to grow. His drive to succeed, combined with his genuine appreciation and positive presence, makes him an inspiring example to his peers and a student we are proud to recognize.”
💻 As part of his recognition, Carlos was awarded a brand-new computer sponsored through Community Health Plan of Washington, a tool that will help him continue his educational journey.
👏 A huge thank you to TC Futures, Mariana, Adreana, and all of our amazing community partners like Community Health Plan of Washington, who continue to uplift and empower our students. Together, we are making a difference!

🌟 What We Do Wednesday 🌟
This week, we’re shining a light on the heart of our work—supporting the whole student.
👩‍💼 Kristal Solorzano, Migrant Student Assistance Professional, shares:
"When supporting students with their emotional well-being, I believe it’s essential to start by addressing their basic needs. A good example of this is Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. The first level focuses on physiological needs such as food, water, and shelter. If these needs aren’t being met, students are unable to move on to the next level, which includes safety and stability. For example, I worked with a student who was struggling academically and emotionally because their family was experiencing housing insecurity. By connecting the family to community resources for food and stable housing, the student was able to feel safer and more secure, which allowed them to focus better in school and engage more fully in emotional and social support services. Starting with these foundational needs enables me to support students in reaching their full potential."
💡 This powerful story reminds us that meeting students’ most basic needs lays the foundation for academic success and emotional growth.
👏 Thank you, Kristal, for your commitment to helping students and families thrive. You can find Kristal supporting MEP students at Finley School District and Kiona Benton School District.
✨ Stay tuned for more What We Do Wednesday posts where we’ll continue highlighting our amazing staff and programs!

🌟 Meet the Team: Lisa Lopez 🌟
We’re excited to highlight Lisa Lopez, our dedicated Migrant Education Program Assistant, who has been part of the ESD family for over 12 years!
Lisa has supported our program in many ways, first as a records clerk and now as a program assistant. As a former migrant student herself, she brings a unique perspective and heartfelt commitment to the work we do.
When asked what she enjoys most about her role, Lisa shared:
✨ “I enjoy working with families and being part of such a great team.”
We are grateful for Lisa’s dedication, experience, and passion for serving our Migrant Education Program students and families! 💙
Our posts will celebrate each of our incredible team members, stay tuned to learn more about our amazing team, every Monday!