CAMP Grant for YVC

CAMP Grant YVC will help the region’s migrant and seasonal farmworker community achieve their higher education aspirations with support from a $2.1 million grant. The College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP), funded by the U.S. Department of Education, provides a range of support to migrant or seasonal farmworkers and their children — boosting their ability to successfully complete the frst year of college. Students receive a stipend, free tutoring, and access to technology, career development support, internship and service learning opportunities, academic success workshops and other support.

“CAMP is incredibly successful in opening a pathway to Washington State University's 2007 CAMP student group. Provided by higher education for the migrant farmworker community,” Cecilia Arroyo (pictured 4th from the right in the top row. YVC CAMP said YVC CAMP Director Ilda Guzmán.“CAMP enhances Director Ilda Guzmán is pictured sitting in the front row to the left. the inherited experiences and skills migrant or migrant seasonal farmworking students bring with them to college. With the support of YVC staf, the CAMP program guides students through their pathway towards earning and successfully completing their degrees.” Cecilia Arroyo was born and raised in Yakima, the youngest child of a migrant farmworker family. Being accepted into Washington State University’s CAMP program helped create a bridge to success for Arroyo, who now works for BORArchitecture in Yakima.

“My dad lived and worked his entire life in the orchard,” Arroyo said.“My siblings and I were the frst generation to attend college. College was a whole diferent world – I couldn’t ask my parents what college was like because they didn’t have the opportunity. CAMP created opportunities for me to meet people who could help me grow, it taught me leadership skills that I have continued to use in my personal and professional life.” In each of the next fve years, YVC will support and dedicate services to 40 CAMP students in their frst year of study. For more information on eligibility, criteria contact Ilda Guzmán at hguzman@yvcc.edu. Read the full story online.