The National HEPCAMP Association 2026 Pre-Conference Sessions
Morning Sessions
Breaking the Mold: A New Approach to Socio-Emotional Well-Being
TARGET AUDIENCE: HEP & CAMP
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Presenters: Dr. Isabela Cuevas-Martínez | Director/PI HEP and CAMP, Inter American University PR
Time: 9 - 12 noon
Room Location | TBA
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This interactive workshop invites educators and student support professionals to break the mold and rethink traditional approaches to socio-emotional well-being. Grounded in the belief that “what we have always done does not always work,” participants will explore creative, flexible, and context-responsive strategies that better address today’s educational and emotional realities.
Through guided reflection and experiential activities, the session encourages participants to step outside traditional roles, embrace innovation, and co-create meaningful learning experiences. Attendees will leave empowered to design their own socio-emotional “mold,” aligned with their values, professional purpose, and the diverse needs of the students and communities they serve. This session will be conducted in Spanish.
Strengthening Outreach & Recruitment in Challenging Times: Practical Strategies for HEP Program Sustainability.
TARGET AUDIENCE: HEP & CAMP
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Presenters:
Andres Enriquez | Project Director, California State University, Sacramento
Time: 9 - 12 noon
Room Location | TBA
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This interactive session brings together experienced HEP Directors who will share effective outreach and recruitment strategies that are currently yielding positive results in their programs. Presenters will discuss proven, adaptable approaches for rebuilding trust, strengthening recruitment pipelines, and responding to the evolving needs of migrant communities in today’s complex sociopolitical climate. Designed for both new and seasoned HEP professionals, this session emphasizes peer learning and collaboration.
Participants will engage in facilitated discussion, share challenges from their own programs, and leave with practical tools and strategies that can be implemented immediately. Presenters will also establish connections with attendees to support continued professional development and cross-program collaboration.
Lunch on your own - 12-1:30 PM
Afternoon Sessions
Strengthening CAMP Student Service and Effective Practices
TARGET AUDIENCE: CAMP
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Presenters: Flavio Paniagua-Navarro, Cecilio Mora, Maria Venegas Escobedo
Time: 1:30 - 4:30 PM
Room Location | TBA
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This pre-conference workshop will focus on comprehensive student services within the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) and how institutions can effectively support CAMP students throughout their college journey. Participants will explore proven strategies for delivering academic, financial, personal, and career support services that promote persistence, retention, and completion.
Presenters from California State University, San Bernardino, California State University, San Marcos, and the West Hills Community College District will share institutional approaches, service delivery models, and lessons learned from serving diverse CAMP populations across university and community college settings. The session will highlight culturally responsive practices, data-informed decision-making, and innovative solutions to common challenges faced by CAMP programs.