April 24, 2023

Merkley, Wyden Announce Over $900,000 Coming to Oregon to Support Students from Migrant and Seasonal Farm Worker Backgrounds

Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced today that the U.S. Department of Education is awarding Oregon State University (OSU) and Treasure Valley Community College (TVCC) a combined total of $949,999 from the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) to support students from migrant and seasonal farm work backgrounds to enroll and complete their first year in college and continue their post-secondary degree. 

“Higher education can open many doors for students, but it can be challenging to make the leap to higher education, especially when you’re coming in from an underrepresented community,” said Merkley. “As the first in my family to graduate from college, I have fought in the Senate to help break down barriers to higher education, and this funding will help provide crucial support to students at a critical time in their educational journeys.” 

“This federal investment secured by OSU and TVCC will provide more higher education opportunities for young Oregonians working hard inside and outside the classroom,” Wyden said. “I’m glad these students will get the support they deserve to continue their education in a four-year and two-year school and then to make it through the challenges that often arise during the first academic year.”

CAMP assists students who are migratory or seasonal farmworkers (or children of workers) enrolled in their first year of undergraduate studies at an institution of higher education. The funded projects provide services such as counseling, tutoring, skills workshops, financial aid stipends, health services, and housing assistance to support eligible students during their first year of college. 

The award information can be found here: 

  • Oregon State University: $475,000 for the OSU CAMP Community College Alliance program to support 35 commuter students. 
  • Treasure Valley Community College: $474,999 for the TVCC CAMP program to support 30 commuter students. 

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