Education

Education for a Brighter Future

In line with our primary mission of directly supporting CampesinX, Hijas del Campo has developed specialized education programs aimed at high school students. These initiatives emphasize skill development and hope to foster connections to the broader workforce.

Statistics

There’s an urgent need for support in education for farmworker families to help break the cycle of poverty and improve opportunities for future generations.

50%

High School Graduation Rate

Only about 50% of children of migrant farmworkers graduate high school, which is significantly lower than the national average.

According to a 2017 report by the National Agricultural Workers Survey (NAWS)

>10%

Bachelor’s Degree

The U.S. Department of Education reports that less than 10% of migrant farmworkers hold a bachelor's degree, compared to the national average of 40%. This highlights the long-term educational gaps faced by farmworker families.

40%

Below Poverty Line

Nearly 40% of farmworker families live below the poverty line. This economic hardship can restrict access to educational resources and opportunities, including college preparation and extracurricular activities.

Initiatives

Our Key Educational Programs

Lunch & Learn Program

The Lunch & Learn Program connects eligible high school students, from ESL students to those enrolled in pre-college classes, with professionals from diverse industries and vocational areas.
L&LP allows students to explore career paths they may not have previously considered by engaging with our professional volunteers, who share their insights and experiences. We aim for this experience to expand their aspirations and enhance their understanding of the concrete steps required to reach their goals.
This program is presently available at Liberty High School, Freedom High School and the MigrantEd Program.
Career Exploration Day

Career Exploration Day is the culminating event of the Lunch & Learn Program, uniting students with mentors, workshops, and guest speakers from a range of industries. We invite parents to join in, allowing them to participate in their child's career exploration journey, discover insights into postsecondary planning, and acquire resources to assist their child's aspirations.
Back-to-School Family Day

For over four years, Hijas del Campo has organized a Back-to-School drive, gathering backpacks and school supplies for children aged 5 to 18. This year alone, 116 students were provided with backpacks filled with essential school supplies to ensure they were prepared to succeed. This occasion features outdoor activities and is conducted in collaboration with local organizations that engage with parents. Our Family Day serves as both a chance to link families with vital resources and services and a celebration of the new school year.
Technology Support

For the last three years, HDC has collaborated with Lenovo’s Hispanics of Lenovo Association (HOLA) to organize a digital access event. We are proud to have provided over 75 students with brand-new Lenovo laptops. This initiative plays a vital role in closing the digital access gap, ensuring that our students have the necessary tools to succeed in their academic endeavors.
College Counseling

Jessica Linares-Boyle, our Education Initiatives Lead & Board Member, has made a remarkable difference for over 20 Campesiné families by offering personalized college counseling sessions.
Our close relationship with Los Medanos College has enabled the HDC team to gain valuable insights into services available for our Campesiné college-age students. We support their entry into higher education by connecting them with campus resources like the Puente Program, Student Life, and International Students Program that foster success throughout and beyond their college careers.