Migrant Assistance Program at the College of St. Edward is celebrating his 50th birthday
Since 1972 Assistance program for migrants at colleges is part of the University of St. Edward’s, one of the four pioneering schools that implemented the program and the only one that has continuously maintained it since its inception.
The program was designed in the 1960s to address American poverty, remove economic and social barriers, and make college education accessible to low-income families. Over the years, CAMP in St. Edwardu hosted about 3,000 students.
Through Department of Education funding for first-year students and university scholarships for the remainder of their undergraduate studies, the program has helped its students achieve their dreams of higher education. For its 50th anniversary this year, CAMP is preparing celebrations to highlight its achievements, current students, faculty and alumni.
“It’s a university that definitely focuses on diversity and inclusion, and CAMP definitely falls under that pillar,” said CAMP Program Director and alumna Sonia Briseño.
Created to serve Hispanic students, who are often the first in their families to attend college, the program is dedicated to campus diversity and the development of these students after college. Through the support the university offers not only academically, but also financially and emotionally, CAMP alumni have been able to take the next steps in their careers as a result of this commitment to students.
“We have CAMP alumni who are exceptional leaders not only locally but statewide, internationally and nationally,” Briseño said.
After graduation, CAMP alumni move on to the next steps in their careers and continue to return to the program. They can become members of the university’s governing board, like Anabel Rodriguez of the class of 2014, the first CAMP alumna to join the board.
For current students, CAMP is more than just an aid program. It’s a family.
“They made it feel like home,” freshman Catalina Sanchez said.
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Within the program, students are able to resonate and identify with each other, developing a strong sense of community and belonging. One of the things that make CAMP in St. What makes Edward so special is the fact that both students and staff come from similar backgrounds, creating a safe space and a smooth transition for new students.
For the future of the program, the university plans to raise up to $10 million to increase support for CAMP students. As part of the university’s commitment to providing educational excellence, Strategic Plan 2027 focuses on diversity, equity, inclusion and justice as one of its five main goals, which supports continued assistance to students at CAMP.
CAMP will celebrate its 50th anniversary over the weekend from 3:30-4:30pm on October 29th at the Mabee Ballrooms. To join in the celebration, Munday Library will display the “Celebrando Legado” exhibit during the week leading up to Homecoming. The exhibit will highlight the history of the hilltop CAMP.
This story was originally published by Hilltop Views, a newspaper produced by students at the University of St. Edward.
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