Farmworker Jobs and Education Program
The Farmworker Jobs and Education Program at Indian River State College (IRSC) began in 1973. It is funded through the Florida Department of Education by a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. For unemployed or underemployed farmworkers and their dependents who qualify, the program provides training and necessary supportive services so that they may obtain a full-time, year-round unsubsidized job at minimum wage or above. A planned program of vocational and on-the-job training, work experience, job placement assistance, and basic and/or remedial education – including GED, English as a Second Language (ESL) – is provided to each participant as needed.
Eligibility for participation in the program is limited to migrant and seasonal farmworkers and/or their dependents who meet the following criteria:
- Have been identified as a member of a family that receives public assistance or whose annual family income does not exceed either 70% of the lowerliving standard income level, or the poverty level.
- During any consecutive 12month period within the 24month period preceding their application for enrollment:
- received at least 50% of their total earned income or have been employed at least 50% of their total work time in farmwork; been employed at least 25 days in farmwork or earned at least $800 a year in farmwork. Farmwork must be on a seasonal basis, that is, without a constant yearround salary;
- be a citizen of the United States, Permanent Resident Alien, or other Alien who has been permitted to accept permanent employment in the United States by the Immigration and Naturalization Service.
The Farmworker Jobs and Education Program can also provide tuition funds to participants who qualify.