Colleges and universities across the United States are scaling back or eliminating support services for students from migrant farmworker families following a sudden halt in federal funding. The U.S. Education Department's decision to pause the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) has led to staff layoffs and left thousands of students without critical resources for the upcoming academic year.
The move has prompted a lawsuit from a coalition of educational institutions and a bipartisan appeal from U.S. senators, who argue the program is essential for providing educational opportunities to a vulnerable student population. Institutions are now scrambling to find alternative ways to support affected students, many of whom are the first in their families to attend college.
Key Takeaways
- The U.S. Education Department has paused funding for the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP), affecting approximately 2,400 students annually.
- Colleges have responded by laying off staff and cutting services like tutoring, counseling, and financial aid for these students.
- A national association of participating colleges has sued the administration to restore the funds, which were previously appropriated by Congress.
- Data shows CAMP has a high success rate, with student retention often exceeding national averages, particularly at four-year institutions.
Federal Funding for Migrant Student Program Halted
The College Assistance Migrant Program, established in 1972, provides comprehensive support to first-year college students from migrant and seasonal farmworker backgrounds. The program offers financial aid, tutoring, mental health counseling, and internship resources to help students navigate the challenges of higher education.
In June, the U.S. Education Department notified participating institutions that it would not be releasing approximately $2.4 million in funding designated for a five-year cycle. This decision came as a surprise to many schools that were in the middle of their grant periods.
The administration's proposed 2026 budget criticized migrant education initiatives, labeling them as "extremely costly" and asserting they have "not been proven effective." However, this claim is contradicted by data from both the Education Department and participating universities.
What is the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP)?
Since 1972, CAMP has been a federally funded program designed to help students from migrant and seasonal farmworker families succeed in their first year of college. It provides a support system that includes academic, personal, and financial assistance to ease the transition into higher education for students who often face unique obstacles.
Immediate Impact on Campuses and Students
The abrupt funding pause has forced immediate and difficult decisions at universities nationwide. Many have been compelled to dismantle the very infrastructure that supported these students.
Staff Layoffs and Service Reductions
At Millersville University in Pennsylvania, the funding halt led to the layoff of four staff members who administered the CAMP program and provided direct support to students. While the 21 students in the program are still enrolled, the specialized services they relied on have been canceled.
Lara Willox, dean of Millersville's college of education and human services, explained the university's predicament. "Until we receive the funding, we can't continue this year's program," she stated. The university is now exploring using senior students as peer mentors to fill the gap left by the professional staff.
"I think we're going to continue to learn how disruptive this has been as the year goes on." - Lara Willox, Dean at Millersville University
Similarly, California State University San Marcos has had to cease providing financial assistance for essentials like books and computers. Maria Venegas Escobedo, the director of CAMP programs there, confirmed that while her office can still answer questions, students are now being referred to a different campus office for academic coaching.
Legal and Political Challenges to the Funding Cut
The administration's decision has not gone unchallenged. Educational organizations and lawmakers are actively working to reverse the funding pause, citing the program's proven effectiveness and the legal obligation to release congressionally approved funds.
In August, the National HEPCAMP Association, which represents institutions participating in the program, filed a lawsuit against the administration. Katie Covington, the association's president-elect, warned of the widespread consequences.
"The closure of these programs located at trade schools, community colleges, and four-year colleges and universities will mean that nearly 7,000 students throughout the country will not receive the support they need this year," Covington said in a statement.
On September 10, a bipartisan group of U.S. senators also intervened, sending a letter to the Department of Education. They urged the release of the funds allocated for Fiscal Year 2025, emphasizing the program's importance for agricultural communities.
Proven Success Rates
Data demonstrates the effectiveness of the CAMP program. According to a 2024 report to Congress from the Education Department, CAMP programs achieved an 81% retention rate for first-year students at four-year institutions in 2021 and 2022, surpassing the national average during that period.
A Track Record of Success
Despite the administration's claims, data from participating universities and national organizations highlight CAMP's success in retaining students who might otherwise struggle to complete their first year of college.
- National Data: The National HEPCAMP Association reports that 76% of CAMP students complete their first year, and 96% of those students continue into their second year.
- California State University San Marcos: Over the last decade, approximately 90% of CAMP students at the university completed their first year, and 97% of sophomores returned for their junior year.
- Michigan State University: The university has supported over 1,000 CAMP students since 2000 and is now fundraising to provide temporary financial aid to those affected by the federal cuts.
Maria Venegas Escobedo of CSU San Marcos noted that these outcomes are a direct result of the program's dedicated support. "It just speaks to the caliber of the work that we do and the support that we give our students," she said.
An Uncertain Future for Students
For students like Sofia Mireles-Gonzalez, a recent graduate of Michigan State University, the CAMP program was a lifeline. As a first-generation college student from the Rio Grande Valley in Texas, she faced numerous challenges.
"You have to navigate a lot of firsts," she explained. Mireles-Gonzalez credits CAMP with helping her find her footing at a large university far from home. The program "really gave me the opportunity to learn a lot, make those connections and have a college experience that allowed me to grow."
With the program's future in jeopardy, the opportunities that were available to her may not exist for the next generation of students from similar backgrounds. As institutions await a resolution, thousands of students are left uncertain about the academic support they were promised.
