As a federally funded program, our funding is based on the budget prepared and submitted by the federal government. Congress, and the President set the amount funded for the Office of Migrant Education, consequently for all the HEP and CAMP projects. In order for our programs to continue to receive funding, they must be recognized as productive, effective and valuable to the country.

In order for Congress to understand the impact of the HEP and CAMP projects on the population we serve, it is imperative they are informed of the accomplishments attained by the programs. NVG, LLC are contracted to ensure HEP and CAMP are always in the forefront of educational legislation.

During our Annual Director’s Meetings in Washington DC, directors visit our congressional representatives to educate and update them on the current efforts and value of the projects in their representative state. NVG schedules meetings with appropriate staff, and creates informational handouts for the representatives and their staff.

This effort both empowers our students to enhance their leadership qualities and make an impact on influential congressional members. Congressional members witness first-hand the growth and development of the seasonal and migrant farm working community. While internships are costly, they have a significant impact on educational leaders. This effort varies in cost but its estimated to be $45,000, which in turn sponsors 5-7 students. The Association also contributes annually to CAMP SAF interns, dependent on their selection and need.

HEP and CAMP students represent one of the most marginalized populations in the United States. Aside from self-efficacy and dedication, our students face financial struggles incurred from transportation, child care, and tuition and board expenses, as they embark in higher education. In addition to coursework, students struggle to help support their families and overcome numerous challenges while pursuing their educational aspirations. The HEP CAMP Association is able to award $20,000 in scholarships, which supports 20 students on an annual basis with the hope that this amount will increase.

HEP and CAMP maintains an online presence through the www.hepcampassociation.org website. This allows our programs, students, and partners to have up-to-date information regarding our efforts. This is a great introductory contact for our potential partners, a resource for our current and active students, as well as a method to promote the great work our programs do nationally.

The association assists with funding of the journal of migrant education. This journal’s focus is to gather and distribute academic research focused on the migrant and seasonal farm working community. The goal of the collecting of academic work is to continue to bring to the forefront the plight of the families we serve.

The association strives to provide professional development opportunities outside of the annual conference. The stream representatives will inform the membership of professional development events as they arise. Those opportunities will either be hosted, facilitated, and/or lead by the stream representatives.