Contacts:	Jason Gil Bear, 277-5813
June 17, 2002 COLLEGE ASSISTANCE MIGRANT PROGRAM RECRUITS STUDENTS FROM SOUTHERN NEW MEXICO TO ATTEND UNIVERSITY The University of New Mexico has implemented a new program that actively recruits eligible migrant and seasonal farm worker students to UNM. The program, The College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP), is federally funded through the U.S. Department of Education and the Office of Migrant Education. The program started at UNM this January and is one of two universities in the state participating in the program. The program goals are to identify, recruit and admit eligible high school students across New Mexico and provide them with the support they need to achieve a successful college education. To ensure that students receive adequate preparation for college, CAMP provides a complete package of support services including counseling, cultural enrichment activities and leadership skills. Students are also assisted in filling out financial aid paperwork, which helps them receive student-housing aid, tuition assistance and a small stipend. Adrian Pedroza, CAMP academic advisor, said that when the program began three students were recruited, but for the Fall 2002 semester 35 students are being recruited for the program. "It's amazing to see students who at one time believed that going to college and getting a higher education was unattainable, prepare to begin their first semester," Pedroza said. Pedroza said most of these students' parents are originally from Mexico, but have migrated to the U.S. to pursue agricultural work. In most instances, their children stay in New Mexico to go to school. In order to qualify for the program, a student or his or her guardian must have spent a minimum of 75 days during the past 24 months as a migrant or seasonal farm worker, be enrolled or admitted as a full-time student at UNM and have financial need. For more information, call UNM Special Programs at 277-3096 or visit their website at www.specialprograms.unm.edu. ###

The University of New Mexico
Public Affairs Department
Hodgin Hall, 2nd floor
Albuquerque, NM 87131-0011
Telephone: (505) 277-5813
Fax: (505) 277-1981