What is the Metco program?
The Metco program is a state-funded grant program that promotes diversity and educational opportunity for approximately 3,300 Boston and Springfield school students, as well as thousands of students in the Metco receiving school districts. The Metco program was started in the 1960s to provide enhanced educational opportunities for participating students, to reduce the racial isolation of suburban school districts, and to reduce segregation in city schools.The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (Department) oversees the Metco grant program. The Department’s main role is to ensure that the Metco grant is administered correctly and that school districts receive Metco funding. The Department also provides general oversight in terms of policy issues. Some of these policy issues involve intake and placement, termination, special education, academic and disciplinary expectations, etc.
