After more than two decades of supporting students from farmworker families, Metropolitan State University of Denver has discontinued its College Assistance Migrant Program, known as CAMP.
The scholarship program is funded primarily through federal grants administered by the U.S. Department of Education. However, the current five-year funding cycle ended in June, and the Education Department has not funded its continuation or provided clarity on whether it will do so in the future.
In the absence of this guidance, the University has made the difficult decision to halt the program, though it could be reactivated should the Education Department resume funding it, said Taylor Tackett, dean of students and associate vice president for Student Engagement and Well-being.
Launched at MSU Denver in 1999, CAMP has supported hundreds of first-year students from the families of seasonal farmworkers through a $425,000 annual grant. Designed to provide holistic support — including financial aid, academic advising, mentorship and community-building — the program consistently exceeded national benchmarks, boasting up to 100% student retention and 86% credit completion in recent years.
“That’s an exceptional track record of success,” Tackett said. “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.”
CAMP served about 25 students each year and was run by a dedicated team of three professionals, whom the University is assisting in identifying other MSU Denver opportunities.
The University is taking steps to transition incoming CAMP students into other campus programs that provide similar kinds of support for first-year students.
“We’re proud of how we served these students through this program, and our commitment to their success is as strong as ever,” Tackett said. “Our goal is to ensure that every affected student remains on track to succeed academically, personally and professionally.”
