The College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) at SUNY Oneonta is one of a kind in the higher education system in NYS. The program assists students from migrant and/or seasonal farm working backgrounds in their first-year transition to college by providing academic, financial, and personal support as well as supplemental educational opportunities to help them reach their goals at SUNY Oneonta and beyond.
Here are just some of the CAMP students' stories:
Cristal, 21
from Valatie, New York, and is majoring in Human Development and Human Studies with a minor in Women and Gender Studies at SUNY Oneonta. She is the oldest of three siblings, with a younger sister and brother. Born in the U.S., Cristal spent several years moving back and forth between the U.S. and Mexico, where she attended school in both countries.
Cristal’s family has deep roots in agriculture. In Mexico, her grandfather owned 3-4 acres where the entire family helped grow and harvest crops like flowers, tomatoes, corn, beans, squash, and cucumbers, as well as raising animals like pigs and chickens. Her parents met in the U.S. after moving from Mexico for better job opportunities. In the U.S., her mother works in restaurants, cleans houses, and gardens, while her father is a handyman and landscaper.
Cristal first learned about the CAMP program at SUNY Oneonta during her senior year, when a teacher introduced her to the program's benefits. CAMP Recruiter Nora visited her home to discuss the program with her family, and Cristal later attended the Summer Academy at SUNY Oneonta, where she met her future roommate.
After college, Cristal hopes to find a job in the U.S., build a house here in the States and in Mexico, and travel between the two for vacations.
Elmi, 21
from South Fallsburg, NY, is majoring in Childhood Education. Aware of the limited opportunities in the industries his parents worked in, Elmin saw college as a pathway to a better future. With the full support of his family, who encouraged him to pursue higher education instead of settling for low-paying factory jobs with few prospects, he was motivated to chart a different course. He discovered the CAMP program and the opportunities at SUNY Oneonta through an email, which inspired him to seize what he saw as a once-in-a-lifetime chance to advance his education.
Fernando, 21
from Hudson, NY, is majoring in Adolescence Education with a focus on Social Studies. His connection to SUNY Oneonta’s CAMP program began well before he enrolled as a student. After relocating to New York, Fernando was introduced to CAMP through early outreach efforts by recruiters like Johnathan Delgado, who encouraged him to explore the program’s opportunities. Prior to attending SUNY Oneonta, he took part in virtual summer programs for migrant students, where he shared his experiences growing up as a migrant child and learned more about what CAMP had to offer. These early connections and supportive experiences ultimately influenced his decision to attend SUNY Oneonta.
Rocio, 21
from Monticello, NY, is majoring in Psychology with a minor in Women and Gender Studies at SUNY Oneonta. As a first-generation college student, her journey into higher education has been deeply influenced by her family’s story. Her father, originally from El Salvador, worked in agriculture, harvesting coffee beans, while her mother, from Guatemala, worked as a secretary. Both of her parents came to the United States around the age of 20 in search of better opportunities. They met while working at the Center for Discovery, the same place Rocio now works. After living in Pennsylvania, where her older brother was born, the family eventually settled back in New York, where Rocio was born.
Her introduction to the CAMP program came through her brother, who had previously participated. When it came time to choose a college, CAMP recruiters visited her high school, and their presentation convinced her that SUNY Oneonta was the right fit. She had always wanted to pursue higher education, and CAMP’s resources and strong support system solidified her decision. Her parents have been her biggest inspiration and supporters, always encouraging her to pursue her goals. Seeing her grow into an independent young woman brings them great pride, especially knowing she’s achieving something they never had the chance to do.
Rocio’s long-term goal is to support her family, with the dream of one day buying her mother a house—a promise she made to herself at 14. After graduating, she plans to work for a year to gain experience and save money, then continue her education at SUNY Albany to pursue a Master’s in Social Work (MSW) and eventually become a Licensed Social Worker (LSW).
Wendy, 20
from Liberty, NY, and is majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing and a minor in Communication at SUNY Oneonta. Her journey to the CAMP program was influenced by both family and friends—a cousin and a friend involved in CAMP encouraged her to explore the school. Nora, a CAMP recruiter, guided her through the process, helping with her college essay and securing financial aid and grants.
Yamileth, 21
from Liberty, NY, and is majoring in Childhood Education at SUNY Oneonta. A first-generation college student, her decision to pursue higher education was deeply rooted in her desire to make her parents proud. Her parents immigrated from Mexico at the age of 15, arriving alone and finding work on a duck farm where they still live. Her father is now a manager there, while her mother, who had to leave behind a nursing career in Mexico, no longer works. Yamileth has two siblings—her younger brother is in eighth grade, and her older sister, a high school graduate.
Yamileth learned about the CAMP program through a visit to her high school. Though she was recruited by another college for soccer, she chose SUNY Oneonta because CAMP provided the academic, emotional, and financial support her family needed. Inspired by her father, who once dreamed of becoming a teacher himself, Yamileth found her calling in education. Soccer has also been a major part of her life—she’s been playing since age eight, was named a top 11 player in the state, and played on the Section 9 All-Star team, accomplishments that meant a lot to both her and her father.
Despite her success, Yamileth sometimes feels isolated in her education classes as the only Hispanic student and carries a quiet fear of her parents being deported. After college, she plans to return to her hometown to teach—possibly as an ESL teacher—and stay close to her family while pursuing a master’s degree in education.
JC, 21
computer science major from Monticello, New York, and a first-generation college student. He is the oldest of two siblings, with a 5-year-old and a 15-year-old. Both of his parents are Salvadorian. His father moved to California at 16 to live with his mother and later returned to El Salvador, where he met JC's mother. They moved back to California, where JC was born, before eventually settling in New York for a fresh start.
JC’s mother is currently a stay-at-home mom pursuing certification as a personal trainer, while his father works as a truck driver. JC initially planned to stay home to support his family, but a CAMP recruiter, Nora, persistently encouraged him to consider college. She even reached out to his mom, encouraging JC to visit SUNY Oneonta and explore his options.
His interest in computer science grew during high school, where he took computer software classes. Although he initially considered electrical engineering at Albany, the supportive environment at Oneonta and his positive experiences with the CAMP program solidified his decision to enroll.
After graduation, JC hopes to work in the vehicle industry, focusing on cybersecurity for cars, and eventually own a car dealership.
