An 8-year-old girl, defined as a migrant student, found a rare sense of stability and educational support during a summer program tailored for her demographic.
For five weeks this summer, she was able to enjoy visits to the L.A. Zoo twice a week, which provided both fun and academic enrichment.
However, like the axolotl she studied, the program is at risk due to ongoing political decisions that threaten its very existence.
The Trump administration has proposed ending federal funding for this program, arguing that it represents a waste of resources and conflicts with its broader policy objectives.
Beyond the funding issues, the current political climate has led to fewer children participating in educational activities, as families grow concerned about immigration enforcement and potential raids.
In particular, the number of children attending the zoo program has sharply declined, from 45 participants last year to just 25 this summer.
Los Angeles Unified School District (L.A. Unified) provides resources to around 1,700 migrant students within a district of 400,000, many of whom come from families engaged in agricultural or dairy work, and frequently move with the seasons.
These families often possess limited educational backgrounds and English skills, placing their children at a disadvantage in a complex educational landscape.
The federal government’s contribution of approximately $1.4 million to L.A. Unified is part of a broader national allocation of $400 million designated for migrant education funding, but the Trump administration has withheld these funds.
Despite being approved by Congress, the funding distribution, initially set to start on July 1, has been delayed, compounding the challenges faced by migrant students.
With nationwide withheld education funds surpassing $6 billion, California has joined a coalition of states in a legal effort to oppose the administration’s funding cuts, which target various educational programs, including those for migrant students.
Supporters of the funding cuts argue that educational responsibilities should fall to state and local governments rather than the federal government.
Critics, however, assert the need for federal support for students facing unique challenges, highlighting that historically, marginalized groups often suffer when federal funding is reduced or removed.
Mayra Lara, the director of Southern California partnerships and engagement for EdTrust-West, emphasized the risks of losing necessary educational support for these already vulnerable populations.
Inside L.A. Unified, one student known as RR—identified by her initials to protect her privacy—has attended the zoo program for two consecutive summers.
RR shared her excitement about returning to the same teacher, who had previously fostered a positive learning environment.
The zoo program’s participation typically ebbs and flows due to the migratory nature of the families involved, with many choosing to leave for summer work opportunities elsewhere.
This summer’s stark decline in attendance reflects the family concerns regarding immigration raids, as many families opted to keep their children home out of fear.
Lead teacher Ruth Navarro described how four families requested home pickups due to fear of being seen outside, but ultimately declined participation regardless of the school district’s efforts to accommodate them.
Navarro noted, “Even though we were willing to go to their home to pick them up, they didn’t want to let their child out the door because of fear of what might happen to them.”
Typically, three buses would be utilized to transport children; however, this year only one bus was used due to the decreased number of students.
Furthermore, engaging parents in concurrent educational workshops was also challenging, as almost no parents took advantage of available programming to learn how to support their children’s learning.
In response to these fears, online workshops offered parents an alternative, but attendance was low, with only about 15 parents participating online, highlighting the reluctance to engage in person.
Even with the limitations, L.A. Unified’s efforts are continuing by utilizing reserve funds meant for other programs to maintain support for migrant students.
RR engaged fully with the summer program, becoming particularly knowledgeable about axolotls.
She shared her fascination, noting, “At first, I thought it was just like a normal fish, but until I noticed the legs.”
Through her involvement, she completed art projects and served as a docent, explaining the unique characteristics of the axolotl to visitors.
“They have gills that help them breathe underwater,” she explained enthusiastically, demonstrating her newfound knowledge.
According to Coral Barreiro, the community programs manager at the L.A. Zoo, the program helps children develop vital confidence and public speaking skills through hands-on learning experiences with zookeepers.
At the end of the program, students showcase everything they learned during their time at the zoo.
Despite the ongoing challenges, L.A. Unified is committed to its migrant education program, utilizing various resources for tutoring and extended instructional activities throughout the academic year.
Debates surrounding the responsibility of funding migrant educational programs are heating up, with advocates arguing that support should come from the federal level to ensure equitable education for all students.
Some, like Neal P. McCluskey from the Cato Institute, contest this stance, claiming that such federal programs are outside the government’s constitutional authority and suggesting the responsibility lies with local and state governments.
The Trump administration’s budget proposal hints at reducing federal spending on migrant educational programs, framing them as costly and ineffective, casting doubts on the value of federal support to the education system.
This ongoing tug-of-war regarding educational funding places the futures of these children in jeopardy, as critics warn that decreased resources will primarily impact low-income and marginalized groups.
Education advocates fear that without federal backing, many students will be denied opportunities necessary for their growth and learning.
As the political and educational landscape evolves, the fate of migrant students hangs in the balance, influenced by decisions far beyond their control.
image source from：latimes
