(July 8, 2008) Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (shown speaking) thanked representatives with the National High School Equivalency Program (HEP) and the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) Association for honoring her for her support of farm worker migrant education at a Capitol Hill reception.  The High School Equivalency Program helps migrant farm workers who have dropped out of high school earn their GED.  The College Assistance Migrant Program assists migrant farm workers in their first year of college with both counseling and stipends.  These programs serve more than 8,000 students every year.  As a member of the Education Appropriations Subcommittee, the congresswoman has continually worked to increase federal funding for both programs. 

When presenting the congresswoman with the award, Vivian Barrera (pictured), who is the Director of the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) at Cal State Long Beach said, “Congresswoman Roybal-Allard is one of HEP/CAMPs strongest supporters on the Hill especially on the Appropriations Committee.  With her leadership, the House has recommended an increase for the HEP CAMP program for this year.  Therefore on behalf of the National HEP/CAMP Association, we thank her for all her efforts and are honored to give Congresswoman Roybal-Allard this award for her support, leadership and commitment to the HEP/CAMP program and the students, families and communities that we serve.” 

Mr. Arturo Martinez, President of the National HEP/CAMP Association, is also pictured.

In accepting the award, the congresswoman made the following remarks to the students and advocates at the reception: “It is a great honor to be recognized tonight by the National HEP/CAMP Association.  This award is something I share with all of you.  If it were not for you and your advocacy, we wouldn’t be here today.  Your stories make a difference.  As an organization, your mission to provide guidance and financial assistance to some of the most underserved students in the country is critical to their academic success.  Again, I thank you for inviting me here tonight and for this honor.  I look forward to continuing to work with all of you to expand educational opportunities and outcomes for our nation’s migrant farm workers.”