Hundreds of children from Colorado's farmworker families are losing crucial college support after the U.S. Department of Education unexpectedly halted federal funding for several programs. These cuts affect scholarships, tutoring, and mentorship that helped many first-generation students pursue higher education.
Key Takeaways
- Federal funding cuts have shuttered several College Assistance Migrant Programs (CAMP) in Colorado.
- Metropolitan State University Denver and Adams State University have closed their CAMP initiatives.
- Programs at Colorado State University (CSU) Fort Collins and CSU Pueblo remain open, with CSU Pueblo's funding secured through a Kansas university.
- The University of Colorado Boulder's CAMP is operating through university self-funding until June, seeking alternative support.
- The loss impacts thousands of students, many of whom are the first in their families to attend college.
Federal Funding Halts for Key College Programs
The U.S. Department of Education's decision to stop federal funding has led to the closure of several College Assistance Migrant Programs (CAMP) across Colorado. These programs provided vital support for students from migrant farmworker families, many of whom are the first in their families to attend college.
Colorado previously ranked fifth nationwide for the number of universities participating in CAMP. This recent development impacts about 100 colleges and nonprofits nationally that supported these students during their critical first year of college.
Program Impact
- Adams State University's CAMP served 1,600 students since 1972.
- MSU Denver's program boasted up to 100 percent student retention in recent years.
- CU Boulder's CAMP achieved a 67 percent graduation rate, nearly double that of comparable students statewide.
Adams State and MSU Denver Programs Close
Adams State University in Alamosa has officially shut down its CAMP program after 52 years of operation. The university's appeal for its $475,000 annual grant to continue was denied. This program had supported approximately 30 students each year.
Aftin Gillespie, assistant vice president of student affairs at Adams State, expressed deep sadness over the impact. She stated, "We are deeply saddened by the impact halting CAMP will have on our students; however, it will not stop our mission of serving our students in need." Students previously enrolled in CAMP have been moved to other campus support programs.
Metropolitan State University Denver has also closed its CAMP program after more than two decades. This program supported about 25 students annually. It consistently showed high success rates, including an 86 percent credit completion rate.
"This program has helped hundreds of students — many who are the first in their families to attend college — begin their studies with confidence, succeed academically and graduate prepared to give back and strengthen our shared community," said Taylor Tackett, dean of students and associate vice president for student engagement and well-being at MSU Denver.
MSU Denver officials confirmed that their CAMP students have also transitioned into other first-year support programs on campus.
Remaining Programs Find Alternative Support
Two programs in Colorado have managed to secure funding. Colorado State University (CSU) has active CAMP programs in Fort Collins and Pueblo. The CSU Pueblo program, now in its 16th year, maintains its funding through a sub-award from Kansas State University, rather than a direct federal grant.
CSU Pueblo's program shows strong results, with an 86 percent first-year completion rate and a nearly 60 percent six-year graduation rate. These figures are significantly higher than the university's overall 42 percent graduation rate. Provost Gail Mackin attributes this success to the comprehensive mentoring and personal support offered by CAMP.
Importance of CAMP
Migrant families often rely on every member to contribute financially. Sending a child to college represents a significant investment and sacrifice for these families, making support programs like CAMP crucial for their success.
Mackin expressed disappointment when initial funding cuts were announced last spring, especially after the university had already lost $3.6 million in other federal grants. She was "ecstatic" when the CAMP grant through Kansas State University was confirmed.
Mackin emphasized the resilience of migrant families. She believes they possess "grit" and "determination" and will find ways to succeed, with universities ready to support them.
CU Boulder Fights to Keep Program Alive
The University of Colorado Boulder's CAMP program, housed at the BUENO Center, has served 720 students since 1990. While it did not receive second-year funding from a previously allocated five-year federal grant, the university has stepped in to self-fund the program through June.
The BUENO Center is actively seeking alternative funding sources. Robert Garcia, who has directed CU Boulder's CAMP since 2006, received a letter on September 13 stating the grant was "inconsistent with and no longer effectuates the best interests of the federal government." This decision came despite the program's strong performance and alignment with previous federal guidelines.
Garcia highlighted the transformative impact of the program on students, families, and communities. He noted that it provides access to educational and job opportunities previously unavailable. The program has a 67 percent graduation rate, almost double that of similar students statewide.
Community and Mentorship at Risk
Beyond financial aid, the loss of CAMP also means losing a vital sense of community. Garcia explained that the program focuses on building a strong cohort, creating a "familia" where students trust each other. This community aspect is critical for first-generation students navigating college life.
The ripple effect of CAMP is also significant. College students in the program often mentor high school and middle school students. This creates role models who share similar backgrounds and languages, effectively "shattering glass ceilings" for younger generations.
Garcia has seen multiple generations benefit from the program. When funding was cut, alumni and families immediately offered support. He stressed that while goodwill is appreciated, financial support is the most pressing need. Securing new donors is challenging, especially with increased competition for philanthropic dollars due to widespread federal cuts.
CU Boulder's CAMP program will continue for now, funded by the university until June. The search for long-term funding continues, driven by the strong belief in the program's profound impact on students' lives and their ability to uplift their families and communities.