WSU loses migrant education program

PULLMAN — A Washington State University program that for more than four decades helped educate migrant workers and their children has lost its federal funding.

The program helped students to pass the GED tests, which certified they had high-school level skills. It was the oldest program of its kind funded by the U.S. Office of Migrant Education, and was the university’s first program for minorities.

Over the years, some 3,700 students enrolled in the program.

When the grant wasn’t renewed this summer, six faculty and staff members lost their jobs. The university will reapply for the grant in 2010 in hopes of continuing the program.