Justin-Siena High School has offered a Venaver Napa Valley- service immersion program, focused on migrant farmworkers, for the past two years. Student participants learn about the history and issues of migrant farmworkers in the U.S., California and specifically the Napa Valley.
Former participants in Venaver Napa Valley were interested in meeting with a local official to share their experience and discuss issues facing migrant farmworkers. On February 24, 2011 a contingent of students along with Ms. Esther Lopez (Head College Counselor and Campus Ministry Associate), who developed the Venaver Napa Valley experience, and Mr. Andrew Hodges (Campus Minister) met with U.S. Congressman Mike Thompson (D-CA-1). The group prepared a presentation about their experience, reflections, and opinions and the students were able to ask questions of and discuss issues with the Congressman.
The students discussed the DREAM Act with Congressman Thompson and shared stories of two recent college graduates that they know who have not been able to work in their degree field. Congressman Thompson supports the DREAM Act and advised the students that they should utilize their school network and connect with other schools run by the Lasallian Christian Brothers, like Justin-Siena, and urge their legislators to support the DREAM Act.
Additional information about the Venaver Napa Valley service immersion program can be found at Justin-Siena High School online.