St. Edward’s University Receives Grant from Bank of America to Support CAMP Scholars

AUSTIN, Texas — St. Edward’s University has received $50,000 in grant funding from Bank of America to support the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP), providing economic mobility assistance for low-income students from underrepresented backgrounds. Bank of America’s philanthropic investment will provide economic mobility and workforce development support by building pathways for migrant students.

“The ongoing partnership between St. Edward’s and Bank of America further strengthens our commitment to providing social mobility and essential educational resources that set our students up for success,” said St. Edward’s University President Montserrat Fuentes. 

CAMP at St. Edward’s University has been serving the higher education needs of migrant students on the hilltop for more than 50 years — making it the longest running program in the country and the only to offer five years of full tuition support. The program has benefited more than 2,800 students since 1972, and continues to position CAMP scholars for success on their academic journeys to graduation, as well as in their professional careers. Here are additional highlights of CAMP at St. Edward’s:

• 100% of St. Edward’s CAMP students are Hispanic; 94% of St. Edward’s CAMP students are from Texas     
• The six-year graduation rate for St. Edward’s CAMP students is 68%, compared to the state average of 51%
• The average retention rate for St. Edward’s CAMP students is 86%, compared to the state’s 78% average
• St. Edward’s CAMP students graduate with 49% less student loan debt than the national average for private university students

“For over two decades, Bank of America has partnered with St. Edward’s University to support CAMP students on their way to achieving their higher education goals,” said Bank of America Austin President David Bader. “These students are faced with unique obstacles, and many are the first in their families to achieve a college degree. The CAMP program connects with the culture and language of students, enabling them to discover possibilities, develop lasting friendships and puts them on a path to establish successful long-term careers.”

Local leaders from Bank of America joined CAMP scholars on the St. Edward’s University campus during First-Gen Scholars Week, November 3 - 10. Each year, St. Edward’s celebrates the achievements of its first-generation students through a week of activities. Fall 2023 events featured a presentation by Dr. Melissa Velez, Assistant Professor of Psychology, a First-Gen Coffee Kick Start event, and the Tri Alpha Honor Society induction ceremony.

About St. Edward’s University:

St. Edward’s University is a private university in the Catholic, Holy Cross tradition with approximately 3,600 students. Located in Austin, Texas, it is one of the top universities in the state and offers more than 50 undergraduate, seven master’s degree programs and a doctorate program. St. Edward’s delivers a premier, highly personalized education that provides students distinctive academics and extensive internships, research and service learning opportunities on a vibrant and inclusive hilltop campus in a world-class city. St. Edward’s has been recognized for 21 consecutive years as one of “America’s Best Colleges” by U.S. News & World Report. In the 2024 Best Colleges rankings, St. Edward’s ranked #6 in the Best Regional University in the West category. 

About Bank of America:

Bank of America is one of the world’s leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving approximately 69 million consumer and small business clients with approximately 3,900 retail financial centers, approximately 15,000 ATMs (automated teller machines) and award-winning digital banking with approximately 57 million verified digital users. Bank of America is a global leader in wealth management, corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. Bank of America offers industry-leading support to approximately 4 million small business households through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations across the United States, its territories and more than 35 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: BAC).