Collaborative College Assistance Migrant Program

Collaborative college assistance migrant program
(CAMP)

Hands that once picked fruit are now picking up diplomas thanks to the Collaborative College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP). First funded in 1972 by the federal government, CAMP supports first-year college students' participation in diverse activities that facilitate college success, such as financial aid, academic advisement, tutorials, career guidance and counseling.

Since 2002, Sonoma State University, together with Napa Valley College (NVC) and Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC), select about 60 students from Sonoma and Napa Counties every year to identify problems that will undermine these students' college success.

Beyond skill building, the goal of CAMP is to help eligible students become lifelong learners and active participants in their education and in their community. Those eligible for CAMP must be migrant or seasonal farm workers, have a high school diploma or a G.E.D., be enrolled full-time (12 units) at SSU, NVC or SRJC and be a legal resident or citizen of the United States.

Since its inception at SSU, 95 percent of all CAMP students have successfully completed their first year of college. Nationally, nearly 75 percent of all CAMP students graduate with a baccalaureate degree.

CAMP partners provide the following:

• Outreach and recruitment services
• Stipends and financial support based on need
• Instructional services: academic and career counseling, tutors
• Assistance through the maze of college resources, such as additional student financial aid
• Exposure to cultural events and extracurricular activities
• Follow up services beyond the first year to support the completion of the bachelor's degree