PLS Migrant Farmworker Students secure national internship opportunities
July 25, 2024 - Luz Vazquez
As Michigan honors Migrant and Seasonal Farmwork Appreciation Month this July, the College Assistance Migrant Program, or CAMP, reaches a new milestone with nine CAMP students interning nationally. Each student overcame many challenges with resilience and determination to achieve these experiential opportunities.
Recognizing these students’ backgrounds and internship achievements is inspirational and demonstrates what CAMP students are capable of despite the obstacles they face.
Since 2015, CoBank has generously supported the National Migrant Scholars Internship initiative, or NMSI, housed in Migrant Student Services. NMSI collaborates with 50 CAMP programs nationwide to assist migrant and seasonal farmworker students in securing internships. The internships serve as a bridge between students and potential employers during their higher education journeys.
Over the past decade, NMSI has assisted over 250 students nationwide. This summer, nine MSU CAMP students were enrolled with NMSI, interning in-state and out-of-state from places like Washington, D.C.; Austin, Texas; and Grand Rapids, Michigan.
NMSI understands the unique backgrounds and challenges CAMP students face. In response, NMSI alleviates financial burdens by providing housing aid, relocation assistance, professional attire and more.
MSU CAMP student interns
- Perla Alvarez
- Maritza Macedo
- Christina Manasse
- Elizabeth Garcia
- Ashley Guardiola
- Joaquin Tavares
- Luz Vazquez
- Cindy Villarreal-Medina
- Elida Villegas
“During my two terms as the NMSI associate director, the most fulfilling aspect has been witnessing the meaningful impact we are making in the lives of our CAMP scholars and supporting the professional growth of our migrant and seasonal farmworker communities,” said NMSI Associate Director Salvador Chávez.
Of the nine MSU CAMP scholars interning this summer with the support of NMSI, four share their experiences, showcasing the importance and value of ensuring students gain exposure to real-world professional experiences while also having access to resources and support that enable those opportunities to happen.
Elida Villegas interning at Bank of America in Austin, Texas
Elida Villegas, a rising senior majoring in computer science with a business minor, is currently interning as a wealth management summer analyst at Bank of America in Austin, Texas. Growing up, Villegas’ family migrated from Florida to Michigan following harvest seasons, adapting to new environments every year. Although eager to travel for opportunities that align with her aspirations, relocating across the country over the summer wouldn’t be accessible without help.
In considering such opportunities, one major concern Villegas had was housing. However, with NMSI’s support, she was able to fully focus on the internship, rather than her living arrangements during her time in Austin.
“Walking through the Migrant Students Services office and seeing posters of many students NMSI has helped in the past reassured me I would be set for a stress-free and successful internship,” said Villegas.
Interning at Bank of America has exposed Villegas to a new industry related to her minor. Although she had little prior knowledge of the financial industry, during her internship, she learned from professionals and peers who welcomed her from the start. She has gained insight into working with clients one-on-one and making the suitable proposals that best address clients’ needs.
Perla Alvarez interning at Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation in Washington, D.C.
Perla Alvarez, a rising sophomore with an undecided major, is interning with the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, or HACU, as a training auditor with Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, or PBGC, in Washington, D.C.
She recalls her family traveling from Florida to Virginia following seasonal crops as she grew up. During her first year in college, Alvarez became a member of HACU where she learned about this opportunity. With the support of NMSI, she was encouraged to pursue this internship.
“During my internship, I am learning the importance of networking and the many different careers out here. Working in D.C. and meeting many professionals has been new to me,” said Alvarez.
As an intern, Alvarez assists senior auditors with conducting audits of multiemployer pension plans, covering Title IV of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act and reviewing financial data and benefit calculations to ensure plan benefits have been properly computed.
Alvarez’s favorite part of this internship opportunity is getting this real-world experience early during her undergraduate studies. She hopes this can build her resume, grow her knowledge base and allow her to continue exploring different careers. Making new friendships with fellow interns and working in the capital of the nation has also been a valuable experience for her.
Maritza Macedo interning at Migrant Legal Aid in Grand Rapids, Michigan
Maritza Macedo, a current senior majoring in world politics with a minor in law, justice and public policy, is interning as a legal aid with Migrant Legal Aid in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
As a child, Macedo and her family migrated from Florida to Michigan and sometimes Ohio, depending on the harvesting season. She picked a variety of crops, such as cucumbers, apples, cherries and more.
Macedo is working closely with migrant farmworkers during her internship, allowing her to align her passion for community advocacy and outreach work.
Choosing this internship has allowed Macedo to give back to her community as she learns to help those who are also immigrants. It has also given her insight into legal immigration work, which intrigues her as she pursues her goal of becoming an immigration attorney.
“We work on cases particularly affecting migrants but also advocate for providing legal services to migrant seasonal workers. My time in this internship pushes me to continue doing what I’m doing,” said Macedo.
Sharing and understanding farmworkers’ backgrounds and experiences, Macedo is committed every day to learning ways to help her community. So far, some of her projects have been working with U nonimmigrant status visas — visas set aside for victims of crimes who have suffered mental or physical abuse and aid law enforcement — and injustices with employers. If an employer does not provide adequate housing and pay, Macedo and Migrant Legal Aid help educate and assist farmworkers about equitable employment, minimum wage protections, safe housing, stable income, worker protections and more.
Luz Vazquez interning at Child Labor Coalition in Washington, D.C.
Luz Vazquez, a senior majoring in public policy with a minor in organizational leadership, is an intern with the National Migrant and Seasonal Head Start Association, or NMSHSA, and placed with the Child Labor Coalition in Washington, D.C.
As a first-generation college student with a background in migrant farmwork, Vazquez migrated from Florida to Michigan picking many crops from the age of 14 to 19. Vazquez has since grown up to be an advocate for her community by sharing her story and creating an art exhibition in recognition of farmworker students on campus.
In her internship, Vazquez works closely with policies surrounding child labor and is developing a better understanding of the legislative process. Vazquez continues her advocacy work by sharing her story while making Capitol Hill visits and participating in community outreach to get cosponsors to support child labor bills.
“Interning in D.C. was a goal of mine, and being here this summer has been an incredible experience. I am grateful for all my mentors and new mentors who continue supporting me as I grow and follow my career in public policy,” said Vazquez.
Vazquez’s internship is kindling her interest in policy, inspiring her to take policy analysis and election courses. It also has taught her how important advocacy is and how it requires strategic planning to educate lawmakers.
Supporting MSU’s CAMP students through NMSI is crucial, and pushing these students to explore internships throughout the country is an invaluable experience that exposes them to careers that align with their various interests, skills and passions.