Prosser students present portable planetarium at national migrant education conference

Three Prosser High School students and migrant education staff told the Prosser School District board that they presented a portable planetarium and led roughly 15 short sessions at the 2025 National Migrant Education Conference in San Francisco, April 13–16.

Board members heard the group describe their presentations, which the students said attracted about 10–15 attendees each and gave them public-speaking experience. "We brought a portable planetarium and led interactive presentations about space and astronomy. We presented approximately 15 times over the course of the event with about 10 to 15 people attending each session," said Natalia, a student who represented Prosser High School.

The presentation also highlighted a regional Professional Learning Community (PLC) for migrant program staff that began with five districts and has expanded to include Sunnyside, Kennewick, Royal City and others. "This PLC also rotates. It doesn't just stay here in Prosser," said Selena Hazard, recruiter for the migrant education program, describing the regional collaboration and noting the program was invited to present at the state conference.

District staff said the experience gave students leadership practice and increased visibility for the district's migrant program. "It was a powerful experience for all of us," said Carlos, one of the student presenters. Program secretary and records clerk Lisa Huerta said the presentations were a learning opportunity for staff as well.

Board members asked about the conference scale and what could be brought back to Prosser. Students pointed to the value of cross-district collaboration and the chance for staff and community members to better understand how the migrant program works locally.

The board did not take formal action on the presentation; the item was listed as informational.