College Assistance Migrant Program
¡Bienvenidos! Welcome to CAMP!
The College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) at St. Edward’s University is dedicated to serving the higher education needs of migrant students. Here, you’ll join a caring community of globally minded, critical thinkers and problem-solvers who are passionate about making the world a better place.
As a CAMP scholar at St. Edward’s, you’ll benefit from a highly personalized education tailored to your interests and goals. To help you gain the most from your college experience, you’ll receive continuous support from your CAMP success coach, professors, counselors and fellow students. We’re committed to your success in college and beyond.
Do you qualify for CAMP?
Because CAMP is funded by both the U.S. Department of Education and St. Edward's, we follow federal definitions for migrant and seasonal farm work. To qualify for CAMP you must meet the admission requirements for St. Edward’s and be a U.S. citizen or a legal resident.
To learn more about the CAMP Admission process, view these special materials.
CAMP Photo Gallery
Check out our photo collection documenting the history of CAMP at St. Edward's. We hope you enjoy looking through these images.
About CAMP at St. Edward’s
St. Edward’s is proud to have the longest continuous CAMP program in the U.S., which has assisted more than 2,800 students since 1972. We select 35 new CAMP scholars each year to bring their passions, talents and desire to make a difference to the hilltop.
Often the first generation in their family to attend college, our CAMP scholars are welcomed to the hilltop by a success team dedicated to helping them succeed. As freshmen, CAMP scholars receive financial, academic and moral support in order to build a good foundation leading to a baccalaureate degree. That support continues throughout their time at St. Edward’s. For many, the CAMP office at the university becomes their “segunda casa.”
To ensure success, CAMP scholars are required to maintain good academic standing, attend mandatory CAMP sponsored events and make satisfactory progress toward earning their degree.
Academic Support
Meet with Your Success Coach
As a CAMP freshman, you’ll be required to meet at least once a month with the CAMP success coach. You’ll set academic goals, discuss career options and build your résumé, and explore the challenges of college life.
Peer Academic Coaches
Incoming CAMP scholars are assigned a peer academic coach for the fall. Your coach is a CAMP upperclassman who successfully completed their first year. Meetings occur weekly, and mentors will share tools for success.
First-Year Seminar
To help you navigate your writing assignments, you’ll attend weekly writing sessions in the fall. And in the spring, you’ll engage in community service.
Tutoring and Supplemental Instruction
CAMP scholars are eligible for free tutoring and are required to complete a specified number of hours per week. Academic Support Services provides peer tutoring and supplemental instruction sessions.
Monthly CAMP Meetings
All freshman CAMP scholars attend mandatory meetings that provide you with important updates, include team-building excursions and feature special guests.
Financial Support
You’ll be paired with a financial aid adviser who will work with you throughout your time at St. Edward’s. They’ll answer questions and inform you about payment options.
Grants and Loans
During your freshman year, you’ll receive a financial aid package to cover college expenses, including:
- Tuition and fees
- Books and supplies
- On-campus housing and meal plan
- Travel stipend
- Health insurance
- A modest monthly living stipend
Your financial aid package may include federal, state and institutional grants, and will usually cover most expenses for your first year except $3,500. You may choose to pay the $3,500 by accepting a student loan given by St. Edward’s. Or, you may secure outside scholarships to pay the remaining $3,500.
Scholarship Resources
Many scholarship opportunities are available for students. We encourage you to research and apply for scholarships. Discover the scholarships you may qualify for:
Ongoing Financial Support
While CAMP supports you throughout your first year on the hilltop, St. Edward's is committed to helping you through the completion of your undergraduate degree. We guarantee three additional years of university grants if you maintain satisfactory progress toward a degree.
Resources for Freshmen
CAMP Enrichment Week
Enrichment Week welcomes all CAMP freshmen to St. Edward’s and helps you get acquainted with CAMP. You’ll get to know our campus, explore services and organizations, meet faculty, participate in team-building exercises and more.
Migrant Experience Groups (MEGs)
MEGs help you successfully transition from high school to college. Your group will meet with two staff facilitators each week in the fall. This supportive environment allows you to discuss the challenges and rewards of college life. Attendance is required.
CAMP Personal Counselor
Working with a mental health counselor can help you reach your full potential. CAMP provides students with a mental health counselor via CAMP walk-in hours and/or scheduled appointments. You may schedule an initial consultation at the Health & Counseling Center. Sessions are typically 45–50 minutes.
Cultural Expression Workshops
In the spring, the CAMP mental health counselor holds special workshops every month to explore topics such as assertiveness training, healthy relationships and cultural identity.
Off-Campus Engagement Opportunities
The following are programs, services and opportunities coordinated by CAMP for CAMP scholars. Please note: these engagement opportunities may be postponed due to COVID-19.
Civic Engagement
The Cesar E. Chavez “Si Se Puede” March celebrates the legacy of Cesar E. Chavez — one of the most important social justice activists of the 20th century. This event is held in March and highlights workers’ rights, environmental justice, civil rights and equality for all.
The National Cesar E. Chavez Blood Drive Challenge celebrates the legacy of Cesar E. Chavez by encouraging college students to promote health education, highlight health and science careers, give back to the community, and save lives.
Arts and Culture
CAMP scholars are able to attend Ballet Austin’s Night of Community free of charge to watch the final dress rehearsal of each production.
Austin Lyric Opera offers CAMP scholars free tickets to attend Austin Opera final dress rehearsals at the Long Center for the Performing Arts.
Accomplishments of CAMP Alumni
Our CAMP alumni go on to contribute to their local and global communities. Here are a few noteworthy accomplishments:
- Jaqueline Olvera CAMP ’14 was one of just 12 students selected to receive the prestigious Presidential Award.
- Alfonso Lucio CAMP ’12 was featured on CBS Austin for marching in honor of Cesar E. Chavez and workers’ rights. Read the full story.
- Esmeralda Perez CAMP ’11 was highlighted by her alma mater as an outstanding Hilltopper for her impressive work as a mentor.
- Elvia Valle CAMP ’09 made the “40 under 40” Latinos in Foreign Policy” list.
- Nancy Flores CAMP ’03 received the 2018 Alumni Service Award.
If you have an interest in contributing to CAMP scholar successes, we encourage you to consider giving directly to CAMP.