Funding halt raises challenges across campuses
Several universities in the United States are scaling back services and laying off staff. This change comes after federal funding for the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) was suspended. Established in 1972, CAMP has supported thousands of students from farmworker families. The program offers tutoring, counseling, internships, and financial aid to help them succeed in higher education.
Effects on students and institutions
CAMP serves about 2,400 students annually and is funded in five-year cycles. The sudden funding halt has disrupted services at multiple institutions. This includes Millersville University in Pennsylvania, where staff positions linked to the program were eliminated. While students remain enrolled, they no longer have access to the same level of previously provided academic and financial support.
According to data from the National HEPCAMP Association, CAMP has demonstrated strong outcomes. Notably, 76% of students complete their first year and 96% continue into the second. Reports also highlight that during the COVID-19 pandemic, retention rates at CAMP-supported institutions exceeded the national average.
Searching for alternatives and next steps
In response to the suspension, some universities are working to secure alternative funding. They are also restructuring mentorship roles to maintain assistance for students. Michigan State University and California State University San Marcos have documented high retention rates among CAMP participants. This underscores the program’s effectiveness in student success.
The program’s future remains uncertain as educational organizations, institutions, and lawmakers advocate for the release of allocated funds. For many migrant students, CAMP has been more than a financial resource. It has provided stability, guidance, and opportunities to pursue higher education despite the challenges of mobility and economic hardship.
