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OSU’s CAMP program a unique opportunity

By Lucy Lozano Brummett

Special to La Prensa

Imagine going to Ohio State University (OSU) without the worry on how you will pay for it.  At the Office of Minority Affairs you can find the OSU-CAMP office.  What is CAMP? It is the College Assistance Migrant Program. 

CAMP was started to enable migrant students to receive a college education.  Who is eligible? Any student who is a U.S. citizen, who is a migrant or seasonal farm worker, has financial need, isn’t yet a sophomore in any college and who has been admitted to OSU.    Also, a student may qualify if they were in or could have been in a Migrant Education Program anytime from kindergarten through grade twelve.

L-R Back: Ricardo Zamaripa, Luz López, Ricardo López, Veronica Ocanas, & Sonia De Haro; L-R Front: Christ Gómez,Melissa Castillo, Juan Segura.

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OSU recognizes the need to reach out to migrant students to further their education and the CAMP program helps make that a reality.  OSU Academic Counselor Ricardo Zamaripa visits high schools to recruit new students into the program. 

According to Mr. Zamaripa, “I would like to see more migrant students come to Ohio State and I think the CAMP program gives them more opportunity, less dependent with their hands and more dependent with their minds.”

On October 29^th, 2005, I took Luz López to OSU for a college tour.  Luz is a senior and is from Lyford, Texas.  Her family has migrated to Fremont for the past eleven years and her parents have supported her decision to attend an out-of-state university like OSU. 

Arriving at OSU, we were greeted by Mr. Zamaripa and six CAMP students.  When most college students are sleeping in on a Saturday morning these students were ready and willing to show us around campus.  Our visit included Mack Hall, which is a Co-Ed dormitory, the OSU recreational center, the Journalism building, and many others. 

For Melissa Castillo, a third year Senior, who is majoring in International Studies Security and Intelligence, she manages to balance raising a family and going to classes.  “It’s a lot of hard work, but with the support of my husband and CAMP counselors I’m able to accomplish what I need to do to finish.”

The Camp students come from as far as Texas, New Jersey, and Florida.  Juan Segura, who is a first year student from Immokalee, Florida, stated, “Their CAMP program is like no other and they make you feel like you’re at home.” 

Did visiting OSU influence Luz in her decision in choosing OSU? “Yes, a lot.  I think I’m going to be starting next fall.”

One final thought, our youth today are the future; let us ensure that they can be the best that they can be.

CAMP offers students a chance to attend a university with an excellent reputation.  To find out more, contact Ricardo Zamaripa at (614) 688-3132. 

Editor’s Note: Lucy Brummett is a freelance writer and works for Fremont City Schools.