Washington, DC (October 30, 2006) – Today, Congressman Rubén Hinojosa (TX-15) announced that the Texas Migrant Council, Inc. doing business as the New America Corporation (NAC) has received a $9,123,464 grant to provide for the expansion of services in Indiana, New Mexico, Ohio, Wisconsin and Texas, and to add services in Iowa, Oklahoma and Nevada.  NAC has operated Migrant and Seasonal Head Start services in these states, and is planning to expand into Iowa.

“Too often migrant workers and their families do not have access to programs that help children succeed in school,” said Hinojosa.  “Fortunately, the Texas Migrant Council helps these individuals participate in Head Start programs that are proven to provide students early on with the fundamental tools they need to be better students and have a better educational future.”

According to the National Council of La Raza report on the State of Hispanics in 1998, only 17 percent of all Hispanic children nationwide, years 3-4, are enrolled in center based preschools.  In 2001, 40 percent of Hispanics were enrolled in early childhood care and education programs, compared to 59 percent of white non-Hispanic and 64 percent black non-Hispanic.  According to the National Agricultural Workers survey, 72 percent of migrant farm workers are Mexican, 7 percent are Mexican-American, and 4 percent are other Hispanic.

“The Texas Migrant Council has a proven track record in our communities, and I’m thrilled to see they’ll be expanding into areas that are in the greatest need,” continued Hinojosa.  “We must do all we can to stem the tide of high drop-out rates among Hispanic students.  The sooner we start emphasizing the importance of a good education, the better their chances will be at a better quality of life and secure future.”

NAC is in the process of developing collaborations with Texas State Colleges and Universities to train and recruit staff, implement programs and enroll students.

“I consider this a downpayment on our commitment to close the Head Start access gap for the children of farm workers,” said Hinojosa.  “According to the most recent data, migrant and seasonal Head Start only reaches one out of every five eligible children, and regional Head Start only reaches three out of five.  These proven programs must be made available to all eligible children; this is a step in the right direction to reach that goal.”