In some areas of New Mexico, typical work is farm work.
UNM's College Assistance Migrant Program requires that students come from rural farming areas. To qualify for the program, students or their guardians need to have spent a minimum of 75 days as a migrant or seasonal farm worker within the last 24 months.
During the summer months in Hatch, N.M., Deannette Romo, a former CAMP student, worked in an onion shed. Averaging 96 hours per week, she said it was an awful job that took all of her time. With plans to attend UNM, she said she didn't have the finances, like most CAMP students.
But when a CAMP recruiter approached her, she said she jumped at the chance.
"Oh, yes, anything to pay for school," Romo said she recalled telling him. "I wanted to come to school, not worry about being in debt and just concentrate on school."
The program is completely funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Migrant Education. Each year it receives about $270,000, which pays for all student expenses as well as salaries for the program's employees and administration.
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Through direct contact with N.M. high schools, the program has brought 35 students to UNM this year. Students in the program need to take 12 credit hours per semester and maintain a 2.0 GPA.
CAMP is in its third year of a five-year grant at UNM. Participation lasts one year, and students receive financial aid, academic advisement, tutoring and mentoring through the program.
"We try to cultivate a family-type relationship for students," said Patty Gamboa, CAMP program coordinator. "There is a definite need for the program in New Mexico."
While many of the students have worked in fields before entering the program, Miriam Esparza learned about the program through friends and started picking chili in Deming, N.M. on the weekends to qualify for the program.
"Since I came here when I was about 10, I was looking forward to coming to UNM, but I was worried about the money," she said.
The program also provides an opportunity for students to participate in workshops and social and cultural events.
"The transition from high school is just totally weird," Romo said. "They are real friendly and interested in you. It was a real big thing for them to see you succeed and do whatever they could for you."
Romo said she was doubtful she would stay at UNM when she started, and the program was a big relief to her financial and social worries as a freshman.
"When you are a freshman, you don't go out and search for things," Romo said. "For them to present them to us was a real big help."
After the first year, the program continues to help its students by finding supplemental financial aid, Gamboa said.
"We maintain close relationships with former CAMP students," she said. "It is a retention method. They just feel like part of the bigger community at UNM."
