CAMP students at Chicago Conference
The Adams State University College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) sent students to Chicago and Santa Fe for student leadership conferences. Miguel Chaparro, CAMP recruitment and retention, said: "Our students have a broader view now and many are now seeing that they can attend other conferences, and pursue graduate degrees at some of the institutions that were presented in the conference."
CAMP students who traveled to the National Conference for the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute Conference, in Chicago, included Maya Martinez, Maria Guzman, Miranda Sandoval, Jessica Crowther, Abigail Moreno, Jayme Malouff, Chance Padilla, Gustavo Nungaray, Carlo Martinez, and Jesus Carrillo.
Crowther, a freshman from Monte Vista, said she appreciated meeting others from similar backgrounds, "who strive for excellence and achieve great things when provided with the resources and counseling to help them." She has done seasonal work with Grimway Farms and currently works at Maurice’s in Alamosa as well. "I want to thank CAMP for providing the opportunity to attend the conference and visit Chicago."
The students attended workshops and heard from keynote speakers such as actor Wilmer Valderrama, best known for his character Fez from That 70s Show. "To hear from celebrities who have conquered the odds was inspiring," Crowther added.
Padilla said attending the conference was one of the most valuable experiences he has received in the CAMP program. It was different from any other leadership conference he has attended. "The diversity alone was something that opened my eyes." Throughout the conference he learned about struggles Latinos have overcome. "Being able to talk and network with others from this conference are some of the most memorable and valuable experiences I have received."
Students who attended the Southwest HEP/CAMP Student Leadership Conference included Miranda Sandoval, Karen Ortiz, Ta Meh, Malachei Wah, Gustavo Nungaray, Carlo Martinez, Alberto Rodriguez, and Andrew Rascon. Chapparro said students from Migrant Education Programs and CAMP Grants from Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado learned about student and professional leadership in Santa Fe.
Rascon, a graphic arts major from Fort Garland, said he connected with students his age and similar background. "We have a chance to make our lives better, especially when we receive encouragement."
Chaparro said there were other benefits in attending the national conferences: "Our students are now looking at going to other conferences, National Student Exchange and internship possibilities."
The College Assistance Migrant Program is funded under Title IV of the Reauthorization of the Higher Education Act.
The program’s goal is to provide academic, social, and financial support services to migrant and seasonal farmworkers or their dependents, to assist them in the successful completion of their first year of college and persistence toward degree attainment.
Pete Gomez, CAMP director, said: "We at CAMP are working in a collaborative effort with Adams State University professors and faculty to provide a well-rounded and sound education for CAMP Students during their first year, coupled with support in areas of personal, financial and academic support."
