Leaving home for the first time is always filled with angst and fear for any 18-year-old. For children of migrant workers, it can be more problematic because of the high expectations from their families and the unfamiliar demands of college life.
This is where the College Assistance Migrant Program comes in. Also known as CAMP, this program is designed to create a home away from home for freshmen students. CAMP offers so much to its carefully chosen students. Together, leaders and students guide more than 35 freshmen through their first year. CAMP is a five-year grant funded under the U.S. Department of Education to provide academic support services to freshmen students from seasonal/migrant working backgrounds. CAMP provides monthly grade checks, study tables and tutoring services to CAMPers.
Besides the academic interest in the program, there is also help needed to further them. Because of this all freshmen are required to apply for three scholarships and two internships. Many students who had internships this year discussed their experiences and the benefits of CAMP during their freshman year. Hugo Garcia, a senior at the University of Idaho who still works with the program, expressed what CAMP has done for him during his college years, “The CAMP program is more of a support system, from day one you’re here to get an education.”
The support system is evident among the class of 2011. This program has helped many students gain higher education, while setting them on the right path for success.
For more information, please contact me, CAMP director Yolanda Bisbee, at [email protected].
Sincerely,
Yolanda Bisbee
University of Idaho CAMP director
Plan B: Teens Need Access Too
I am very disappointed that the Health and Human Services Secretary rejected the FDA’s recommendation to offer Plan B to teens over the counter.
Emergency contraceptives are safe, effective forms of birth control and are supported by every major medical institution as a way to prevent pregnancy. It does not work if a woman is already pregnant — meaning misleading arguments by anti-choice activists that Plan B induces abortion are factually inaccurate.
I understand parents want to guide their teens toward responsible decisions, including delaying sex until they are prepared. In a perfect world, that would be all we needed. However, the reality is 750,000 pregnancies will occur among 15 to 19-year-olds and I would rather teens have the option for Plan B, than face a decision about an unwanted pregnancy.
Sincerely,
Alex Barnes
Moscow, Idaho – See more at: file:///Volumes/argonaut$/stories/sections/opinion/stories/2012/Feb/17/mailbox_2.17.12.html#sthash.T5JSDK4h.dpuf