When Steven Alexander, president of National City Bank of central Michigan, handed over a check to the College Assistance Migrant Program, or CAMP, he knew he was helping to fulfill the dreams of more than 70 MSU students.

CAMP is a program that assists migrant farm worker students during their first year of college. Last Friday, National City Bank donated $27,000 to the CAMP program.

"We were looking for an opportunity to participate in a program geared toward the Latino community," Alexander said. "We wanted to recognize that part of the community. We wanted to help."

Many of the students in CAMP are from Michigan, Texas and Florida — the main participating states for this program.

Luis Garcia, director of the MSU High School Equivalency Program and CAMP, was once a migrant farm worker himself.

"We came to Michigan from Texas," Garcia said. "We ran out of money and we decided to stay. I owe it to the state of Michigan that provided me with an opportunity that I wouldn't have had."

Garcia had the students connect with each other during the reception by having them stand up and tell their dreams. No-preference freshman Sarah Lopez talked about wanting to become a psychologist.

"I want to help out teenagers," Lopez said. "During high school I saw a lot of troubled people, and I like to listen."

The dreams of the students all varied, ranging from wanting to graduate college and having a career to becoming teachers and doctors.

"People think just because people are poor that they're not bright," Garcia said. "We have got to put ourselves in check in society. This program is consistent with the university's mission, which is trying to reach rural America."

President Lou Anna K. Simon also gave a few words during the presentation.

"Without your work, agriculture would not be successful," she said to the CAMP students.

Agriculture is a part of the students' lives because it gave these students work when they were younger and continues to provide work for their families.

"Money was always a factor when I was younger," Lopez said. "Mainly, the reason that I helped my parents work was to put food on the table. CAMP helps out with everything from books to tuition."

This program is helping no-preference freshman Pedro Mendoza through his first year of college by providing him with funding and mentors.

"My high school counselor recommended the program to me," he said. "It's helpful because they help you out with transitioning. They also have a mentor program and tutoring."