Recognition.
Student Champion Award
The Student Champion Award is the most prestigious student award conferred by The National HEPCAMP Association. Each year at the Annual Conference one (1) student from a HEP or CAMP project receives this award for demonstrating outstanding dedication and performance.
2026
HEP Student Champion
My name is Wendy Mandujano, and I was born in California but raised in Weiser, Idaho. I dropped out of high school after going through mental health problems throughout the school year. I felt so behind like I would never catch up and finish so at the time it just seemed easier to drop out. Covid year happened during my junior year of high school and being at home everyday and doing my classes online just made it more difficult to feel like I could catch up and finish.
After I dropped out, I worked in an onion plant full time until I moved out with my husband and had my daughter at 19. I knew I wanted to give her a good life, and I did not want to be jumping between minimum wage jobs. I decided to pursue my GED with HEP at Treasure Valley Community College. I was so afraid and doubted myself many times. As a young mom going through postpartum, I had to make time to study to pass the GED tests and the thought of supporting my little family and being a good role model for my daughter helped push me to study and pass all my tests. As soon as I got my GED early 2025, I knew I wanted to pursue higher education to become an RN.
In spring of 2025, I started my prerequisites for the nursing program. Right now, I am on track to finish my prerequisites in the fall of 2026 so I can apply to the Registered Nursing program early 2027. The HEP program has helped me achieve goals that would often feel impossible after dropping out. Receiving my GED has given me so many opportunities for new jobs and to pursue college. It gives me a foundation to build on and reminds me that no matter how long it takes, progress is still progress. It’s the biggest blessing to know that I am studying for a career I enjoy and I can help support my husband and daughter.
2026
CAMP Student Champion
My name is Jimmy Muñoz, and I am from the small town of Olton, Texas. I am currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Sports and Exercise Science, a field that aligns closely with my passion for athletics, leadership, and student development. During the 2024–2025 academic year, I had the privilege of being a CAMP participant, an experience that played a pivotal role in shaping my personal, academic, and professional growth.
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In addition to my involvement with CAMP, I serve as a Peer Leader at my university and hold responsibility for recruitment within my fraternity. These leadership roles have strengthened my communication, organizational, and mentorship skills while allowing me to support and guide fellow students. I take pride in being someone others can rely on for encouragement, accountability, and motivation. Outside of campus, I work at a local golf store in Amarillo, Texas, and remain deeply connected to my hometown by coaching multiple sports teams at my former high school. Coaching has allowed me to give back to the community that helped shape me and has reinforced my desire to pursue a long-term career in athletics and education.
Mentorship is a core value in my life. I dedicate significant time to supporting new CAMP students, ensuring they feel welcomed, supported, and confident as they navigate college. CAMP has had a profound impact on my journey, and I remain committed to contributing to the program that helped open doors for me while serving as a positive role model for students across campus.
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Following the completion of my bachelor’s degree, I plan to further my education and pursue a career in coaching and teaching at a local school, with the ultimate goal of becoming a college coach. I am also passionate about helping students from small schools gain access to athletic scholarships, ensuring financial barriers do not prevent them from continuing their education. Long-term, I hope to give back to CAMP by supporting the program financially and by speaking to and encouraging future students.
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Above all, my greatest goal is to leave a meaningful impact, big or small, by uplifting others, leading with integrity, and serving as a role model, particularly for Hispanic and immigrant young adults. I also plan to pursue a master’s degree as a pathway toward becoming a college professor, continuing my commitment to education, leadership, and service.
2026 Call for Nominations
The National HEPCAMP Association is calling for nominations of students to be recognized for their stories of dedication and performance.
CFP - Student Champion Award
Eligibility Criteria
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Students must have been enrolled in a HEP or CAMP project during the 2024-2025 fiscal year (07/01, 2024 - 06/30/2025.
02
Students with documented achievements who have overcome personal and/or academic obstacles, or have demonstrated leadership qualities within their HEP or CAMP project.
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Submit online nomination by Friday, January 30, 2026.
Other Important Info
Nomination Requirements
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The student's full name, photo and brief biography must accompany the nomination.
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A statement describing the reason for the nomination, addressing how the nominee fits the eligibility criteria listed above (200-400 words).
Awards
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The Committee will award one (1) HEP and one (1) CAMP Student Champion.
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Winners will be tentatively announced in February, 2026.
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Winners will be recognized at the 2026 National HEPCAMP Conference with their names, picture, and biography included in the conference program.
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The Association will provide the winner with a $1000 scholarship/stipend.
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If a nominee is selected as a winner for the HEPCAMP Champion Award and is unable to attend the conference, the student should plan on recording a 2-3 minute video to be played at the conference.