labor lawAdivision of labor law center

A Sacramento cooperative was recently awarded $2 million to study California child labor among migrant workers. The project is to develop and pilot a national demonstration that offers improved education to the children of migrant farm workers. In addition, the program will provide opportunities in alternative work experience for migrant youth. Eventually, the successful program will be expanded throughout the country.

The $2 million award, made by the US Dept. of Labor, went to La Cooperativa Campesina de California, a non-profit organization in Sacramento. More than two dozen organizations nationwide competed to win the awards.  Awards were also made to two other organizations, under the same program. Michigan State University received a grant worth just under $1.8 million, while Rural Opportunities of Rochester, New York received a $1.25 million grant. The projects will run for a period of 12 months.

The purpose of the grants is to develop and pilot demonstrations that offer career choices to the children of migrant farm workers. Often, the children of migrant workers have few opportunities to attend school. Many are kept out of school and work during the picking or planting seasons, in violation of state and federal child labor laws. This program will help migrant children receive a better education.

Many migrant children have limited career choices when they grow up. This is the result of a poor education, and a lack of knowledge about other occupations and ways of life. Under this program, migrant youth will receive career assessment and work in internships in various industries. Promoters hope that these opportunities will give migrant youth a broader selection of career choices.

The program is designed to reduce incentives for migrant children to work in violation of California child labor laws. In addition, the program will provide incentives for children to attend summer school, if required to advance in school, instead of working. 

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