THE FLORIDA MIGRANT INTERSTATE PROGRAM
800 949-1916 fmip@earthlink.net
www.floridamigrantinterstateprogram.com
Spring 2008
Alice Matthews, Director Kim Fioramanti, Assistant Director
Virginia Flores, Administrative Assistant
The Florida Migrant Interstate Program (FMIP) is a discretionary project of the Florida Department of Education which provides support to migrant students and their families. Florida Gulf Coast University serves as the fiscal agent for the state grant that funds the program, and provides support to FMIP through the FGCU College of Education.
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QUESTIONS OFTEN ASKED
BY FLORIDA'S MIGRANT PARENTS
ABOUT THEIR CHILDREN GOING TO COLLEGE
Can my son or daughter go to college? Maybe… It depends on how badly he or she wishes to attend. In addition to traditional students, there are many students in Florida colleges and universities who are:
- migrant;
- immigrant;
- undocumented; and/or
- those who are older.
As well as those who have:
The key to their success is their perseverance!
Will my son/daughter make more money if they graduate from college? The economic
advantages of a higher education for both workers and the economy are clear. According to the
Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers who lacked a high-school diploma in 2006 earned an average
of only $419 per week and had an unemployment rate of 6.8%. Workers with a bachelor's degree
earned $962 per week and had an unemployment rate of 2.3% Those with a doctorate earned
$1,441 and had an unemployment rate of only 1.4%.
Bureau of Labor Statistics, Spotlight on Statistics: Back to School, August 2007 (http://www.bls.gov/spotlight/2007/back_to_school/)
My mailbox is filling up with offers to help me look for scholarships and grants for a fee. How much should I pay to get help with this? PAY NOTHING!!! This information is all FREE. Throw away any information about programs who want you to pay to get information on grants and scholarships. Free information is available at every high school, through all migrant education programs, and by contacting The Florida Migrant Interstate Program (FMIP) at 800 949-1916.
I didn't go to college and have so many questions and don't know who to turn to for help. Who can help me? Migrant Educators are experts in helping migrant parents assist their sons and daughters go on to college. They should be your first contact.
Parents and students, of documented and undocumented status, should meet with the school advisors (Migrant Advocate and Guidance Counselor) to discuss all aspects of a college education. It will take more than one meeting, and parents should make a list of questions before the meeting, discuss those questions with their son or daughter and then the family can talk together with the advisor about their concerns.
The student MUST take a great deal of initiative in this entire process! She/he must be very persistent and focused on the future. The "easy road" will be to procrastinate and not meet timelines, not look on the internet for scholarships, and not set up and keep appointments……. It is these things that make a difference.
My son/daughter is undocumented. Where can he/she go to technical school? There is no set policy statewide regarding public technical schools in Florida. http://www.fldoe.org/workforce/dwdframe
http://data.fldoe.org/workforce/contacts/default.cfm?action=showList&ListID=8
Each school district may establish policy. The best person to ask regarding whether or not undocumented students may apply to their school would be the director of admissions or head registrar. "Front office" staff or student assistants may not know the correct policy and may provide the incorrect response.
Due to the "career training" nature of technical programs, many schools will not accept undocumented students because they are not legally employable upon program completion if they lack a SSN. Another issue is that many programs offered through technical institutes require students to pass a state license exam at the end of their training before they successfully complete the program and are issued a certificate or related credential. Because of this requirement, many programs (especially health-related) will not accept students without a SSN into their program because they may not be allowed to take a state license exam in their field of study.
As for scholarships, many of the migrant scholarships can be applied to either technical training or college.
My son/daughter is undocumented. Where can he/she go to college? All 11 of Florida's State Universities; and 19 of Florida's 23 Community Colleges accept undocumented students, if they meet the academic requirements.
What do I need to know about Community Colleges for my son/daughter? Admission to Community Colleges is easier and less expensive than it is to attend Universities. They have a variety of programs to meet the needs of the community. There may be a 2-year program (A.S) that will complete your child's education; or it may be that he/she can get the first two years (A.A.) toward a bachelor's degree (B.A. or B.S.) and will take the last two years of college at a university or other college.
Although out-of-state tuition for non-residents is also high at the community college level, it is not as expensive as university tuition. Undocumented students cannot apply for state or federal financial aid; however, they may be able to apply for foundation or institutional scholarships that are funded by private sources.
Students without valid social security numbers should check with the financial aid office of the college or university they plan to attend to inquire if they may apply for foundation scholarships at that institution. (Brigita Gahr, FCA 2007).
For more information on Florida's Community Colleges: http://www.fldoe.org/cc
For a list of Florida's community colleges with contact info: http://data.fldoe.org/workforce/contacts/default.cfm?action=showList&ListID=11
QUESTION:
| Where are the Community Colleges in Florida and which ones accept undocumented students? |
COMMUNITY COLLEGE | DOES THIS CC ADMIT UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS? (FLDOE survey conducted Fall, 2006) |
Brevard | No |
Broward | Yes |
Central Florida | Yes |
Chipola | No |
Daytona | Yes |
Edison | Yes |
FL CC Jacksonville | No |
Florida Keys | Yes |
Gulf Coast | Yes |
Hillsborough | Yes |
Indian River | Yes |
Lake City | No |
Lake-Sumter | No |
Manatee | Yes |
Miami Dade | Yes |
North Florida CC | Yes |
Okaloosa-Walton | No |
Palm Beach CC | Yes |
Pasco-Hernando | Yes – on rare occasions |
Pensacola | Yes |
Polk | Yes |
St. Johns River | No |
St. Petersburg | No |
Santa Fe | Yes |
Seminole | Yes |
South Florida | Yes, w/ evidence of residency/citizenship in process |
Tallahassee CC | Yes – if graduate of a FL high school or FL GED |
Valencia | No |
TOTAL | Yes = 19 No=9 |
How do undocumented students enroll in college? They enroll with special help from their school advisors (Guidance Counselors, Migrant Staff, and others).
If they do not have a social security number, then a school number is created for them. The process goes more smoothly if the student's school advisor has a direct contact at the university and goes with the student and the student's parents to meet with that university contact.
What are the financial restrictions for undocumented students? Undocumented students who attend public (state) universities and colleges in the State of Florida are charged Out-of-State Tuition, which is much higher than what is charged to students who are documented and are considered In-State students. Also undocumented Florida students are not allowed to accept State or Federal funds for their post-secondary education. BUT they can receive private monies from scholarships, foundation grants, and individuals.
My son/daughter is a citizen, but I am not. Will this make a difference? This will be easier than if it is the other way around. Work with your school advisor when you fill out the parent portion of the forms and there should be no problems.
I don't think that my school has an advisor who I can feel comfortable talking to about my status, what do I do? Go to your Consulate and/or have an English speaker call the Florida Migrant Interstate Program Toll Free at (800) 949-1916 for suggestions as to the name of someone locally to whom you can talk.
What is the difference between a private college/university and a state university? The State of Florida (your taxes) provides partial funding for post-secondary education programs at State Universities and Community Colleges throughout Florida. In most cases these are the least expensive to attend.
Private colleges and universities normally do not receive this same funding and must rely on higher tuition rates, and funding from various organizations and individuals. For example Ave Maria University in south Florida is a private Catholic University.
If my son/daughter is undocumented does it matter if he/she attends a private or public college/university? Sometimes it is actually cheaper to attend a private college/university in Florida, rather than a public one if you are undocumented, because the private school while expensive, does not charge Out-of-State tuition.
Also, some private schools do not have an issue with admitting undocumented students and will help them find private scholarships and grants.
Who has the best chance of getting scholarships and grants? The student who has a profile that best suits the requirements of each scholarship or grant. Some just want to fund those who wish to become business persons, teachers, or other specific professions; Others are looking for ethnic or heritage groups; but most are looking for the student whom they deem looks as though he/she will be the most successful in the future. Most programs look for bright students who have a proven record of good grades, test scores, good moral character, and community service.
Are there special scholarships for migratory students? Yes, below is a list compiled by Brigita Gahr and updated June 2007.
Florida seniors who qualify for Migrant Education Program services are encouraged to apply for the following scholarships for migrant students. Local Migrant Education Programs may offer additional scholarships for migrant students residing in their districts. Undocumented students may apply for the scholarships preceded by an asterisk *.
Most scholarships require proof of acceptance into a technical institute, college or university, therefore students should apply to post-secondary institutions before the end of the first semester their senior year.
Albert Lee Wright, Jr. Memorial Migrant Scholarship* Deadline: Feb. 16
http://www.nasdme.org/scholarship/AlWrightScholarship.pdf
(for students planning to major in political science or journalism)
College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) Deadline: Check with each program
www.migrantstudents.org
- Farmworker Jobs and Education Program Deadline: None http://www.firn.edu/doe/workforce/migrant_ed.htm (This program covers all education and training expenses at a technical institute or community college for eligible participants.)
Frank Campano Memorial Fund Child Migrant Award* Deadline: May 15
Path to Scholarships Fund - Harvest of Hope Foundation* Deadline: None
www.needcollegemoney.com
- Wendell N. Rollason Scholarship Fund* Deadline: Check with each service area
The following three scholarships are for students pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Education at the University of South Florida (USF). Offered through USF's Migrant Education Center : http://www.coedu.usf.edu/cme/
The following four scholarships are offered by the Geneseo Migrant Center.
Applications are available at www.migrant.net, For more information call (800) 245-5681.
- Berrien Fragos Thorn Arts Scholarship for Migrant Farmworkers*
Deadlines: June 1 & Nov. 1
Deadline: None
- Migrant Farmworker Baccalaureate Scholarship* (for current college students)
Deadline: July 1
Where can I find more scholarships and grants for undocumented students? The Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund website has a link to Scholarships for All Students regardless of Immigration Status at www.maldef.org. You can also go to www.needcollegemoney.com and follow the scholarship links. I also encourage students to register for a free scholarship search such as www.fastweb.com and apply for any scholarships for which they qualify that do not specifically mention that applicants need to be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. The Latino College Scholarship Directory can be downloaded for free at www.latinocollegedollars.org and page 72 lists scholarships that do not require that applicants be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. (Brigita Gahr, FCA 2007).
Are the SAT and ACT tests required, are they given at the school during the school day, and do they cost money? The SAT and ACT are required by most colleges and universities; they are given usually on Saturdays; the student must sign up to take them; and they do cost money each time you take them.
However, students who qualify for Free and Reduced Lunch (all Migrant Students) can take each one the first time for free. Students should see their School Advisor to find out the process to do this at his/her school.
How do tests such as the SAT and ACT make a difference? They are called "Gatekeepers"… which means, if you don't have certain combined scores, then they don't let you into the gate of the college or university (not literally, but it makes it much harder to get admitted). University placement offices look at many factors when admitting students, but the SAT and ACT scores are very important.
The best advice in this area is to take these tests as many times as you can. In most cases, students' scores get better each time they take the test. ACT and SAT scores are combined to provide an overall student test profile to the college placement office.
Some students will have very good high school grades, but will have difficulty with the tests. College placement offices take that in consideration to a degree; and the test scores required will vary from college to college. For example, Florida's Community Colleges pay less attention to them, than would the University of Florida, which requires the highest SAT/ACT scores in Florida.
How do I register for the SAT or ACT? First see your Migrant Educators and your son's/daughter's Guidance Counselor for more information.
The official addresses for applications for the SAT and ACT are below:
Apply for SAT; http://www.collegeboard.com/
Apply for ACT: http://www.act.org
What is the FASFA and why do we have to fill in all that paperwork? The FASFA equals money for students. It is a document that all College and University Financial Aid Offices look at to determine how much money the family can provide to help the student and how much they will offer to assist. Students must fill it in as quickly as possible in January or February of their senior year in high school. The form asks for Income Tax information from the parents. If the parents and/or student are undocumented and/or do not fill out Income Tax forms, then the student and parents should discuss the matter with the Migrant Educator/School Advisor. Students must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-resident to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Page two of the FAFSA instructions defines "eligible non-residents".
Federal Student Aid Information Center
Toll Free Number: 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243)
http://studentaid.ed.gov/students/publications/completing_fafsa/index.html Go online to download forms in Spanish or English.
www.FAFSA.ed.gov
Where can I find more information about going to college? http://www.students.gov/STUGOVWebApp/Public
How much does it cost and how does the student pay for college? College is very expensive, but worth every penny. It is a long term investment for the entire family. Each school is a little different in cost, and the meeting with the school advisor can give more specifics.
What examples of the cost of college in Florida can you provide? http://www.facts.org/cgi-bin/eaglec is a website with
facts.org which shows Institution Fees and Payments Links for Florida's colleges and community colleges. Open the site and choose an institution below to view its fees & payments web page.
Two Examples:
University of North Florida
http://www.unf.edu/dept/controller/cashier/tuition.htm
Public University Spring 2008 Tuition per hour
In-State ($120.23) Out-of-State ($508.30)
(Most students take 16 hours of classes with each class being a 2-4 hour credit)
St. John's Community College
http://www.sjrcc.edu/catalogPDF07.08/tuition.pdf
Public Community College 2007- 2008 Tuition and Fees per hour
In-State ($69.69) Out-of-State ($261.95)
In general, because they have to pay Out-of State tuition, Florida's undocumented students can expect to pay $15,000-18,000 to attend full-time for one year.
What is FACTS.org and how can this website help my daughter/son?
http://www.facts.org/cgi-bin/eaglec?MDASTRAN=SW-HMMNE00
http://www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org/
http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/
http://www.FACTS.org
Available in English and Spanish FACTS.org is "Florida's official online advising system." At this website you can apply to college online and much more.
FACTS.org en español
http://www.facts.org/html_sw/TranslatedDoc.htm
How do I contact the Office of Financial Assistance at Florida's Department of Education? The Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) within the Florida Department of Education, administers a variety of postsecondary educational state-funded grants and scholarships, and provides information to students, parents, and high school and postsecondary professionals.
http://www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org/SSFAD/home/uamain.htm
Toll-Free 1-888-827-2004 osfa@fldoe.org
Where can I read about Florida's Bright Futures Scholarship? http://www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org/SSFAD/home/uamain.htm
How do I apply for a student loan?
http://www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org/FFELP/parent_2nd_level/parent_page_3.html
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Step 1 - Complete the online Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Application. |
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FAFSA Application - The U.S. Department of Education uses the data from your FAFSA application to perform a statutorily required calculation and then transmits the results to the schools you listed or selected on the FAFSA. These results are used by those schools to determine your eligibility for aid from the federal student aid programs. |
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Step 2 - Review your Student Aid Report (SAR). You should receive a SAR approximately four weeks after you submit the FAFSA. Make any necessary corrections and return the SAR to the appropriate address. The school you listed on your FAFSA will also receive your SAR information. |
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Step 3 - Confirm with the financial aid office at the school you plan to attend, that the school has received all necessary information to determine your eligibility for financial aid. The school will provide to you an award letter outlining the type of financial aid that you may receive. |
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Step 4 - Promissory Note: Read the entire Promissory Note and the Borrower's Rights and Responsibilities prior to signing the Promissory Note for a FFELP loan. For more detailed information access the Student Guide listed below. |
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The Student Guide:
(I believe that they changed the title to Funding Your Education) - The U.S. Department of Education provides The Student Guide to assist high school students, college students, parents, and non-traditional students with the financial aid process; as well as, detailed steps for each phase. |
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College and Career Planning - Going2college.org provides general information about career planning, resources, guidelines for students planning to attend college, and state and federal aid that is available. Going2college.org also provides information on state college resource centers, events on financial aid and college information; as well as, information on programs such as Upward Bound, Talent Search, GEAR UP and Project Grad. |
Do other states provide the option for a college education to undocumented students who graduate from their high schools? Where can I learn more information about what other states are saying about this subject?
Ten states—California, Illinois, Kansas, Nebraska New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah, Washington, —have passed laws permitting undocumented students to qualify for in-state tuition if they attended and graduated from high
school in the state. In addition, New Mexico and Texas allow undocumented
students to compete for financial aid.
Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Virginia, and Wisconsin have in the past or are currently visiting this topic at the state level.
What is the College Assistance Migrant "CAMP" Program?
http://www.hepcamp.org/
It is a federal program, located at various colleges and universities in the United States, designed to assist eligible participants from migrant and seasonal farmworker backgrounds in completing their first year of college and transitioning to complete their undergraduate degree. For: U.S. citizens or eligible
non-residents only.
Eligibility Criteria:
Qualified for either Child Migrant or Adult Migrant and Seasonal Farmworker Programs OR
Employed in farmwork or related seasonal work at least 75 days during past 2 years AND
Enrolled as a full-time student AND
Not have completed the first year of college
What CAMP Programs do Florida migrant students to attend? Florida works closely with CAMP Programs throughout the U.S. They Visit High Schools in Florida each Year Meeting Parents & Recruiting Students
Two Examples Include:
- Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College "ABAC" College Assistance Migrant Program
ABAC 22, 2802 Moore Hwy.
Tifton, GA 31793-2601
Georgia Director Javier Gonzalez can be contacted at Toll Free 1-888-244-9096
or at jgonzalez@abac.edu
Below are scholarships are not dependent on immigration status. They are based on student's academics and financial need. The applications are available in English and Spanish. http://www.abac.edu/foundation/goizuetamain.htm
http://www.abac.edu/foundation/goizuetafinassistmainactive.htm
What is the High School Equivalency "HEP" Program and where is the closest one? http://www.hepcamp.org/
The two closest programs are at the University of South Florida (USF) Center for Migrant Education and Barry University. Contact information, eligibility criteria and services are listed below:
