YVC’s CAMP Program Looks To Help Migrant Farmworkers

In an effort to help migrant or seasonal farmworkers, and their children pursuing higher education, Yakima Valley College has their College Assistance Migrant Program, better known as CAMP.  CAMP is funding by the U.S. Department of Education to provide a range of support to help migrant or seasonal farmworkers and their family successfully complete the first year of college.

“So, this program started thinking of the need of our community, and our students, that you know first generation coming to college for the first time," said CAMP director Marivy Vasquez.  "Not having that support system at home and finding someone so they can connect or a program that they can rely on once they're here at YVC.”

Oswaldo Farrera is one of those students that benefited from CAMP, thanks to the much-needed encouragement.

“Somebody was there to help me along the way you know and Marivy has been a huge support in my education helping me navigate my career path as a substance use disorder professional.”

YVC is one of 52 institutions of higher education in the nation offering a CAMP program. 

A student is eligible if they meet one of the following criteria:   

• They or their immediate family members have engaged in migrant seasonal farm work for at least 75 days within the last 24 months, 
• They have participated or been eligible to participate in the Title 1C Migrant Education Program (MEP) 
• Has qualified for the Workforce Investment Act 167 Program (WIA 167), formerly the High School Equivalency Program (HEP).

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