Anna Bedolla-Gutierrez is one of six students nationwide who were selected for an internship this summer with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute and Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute in Washington D.C. 

Bedolla-Gutierrez is a first-generation student who recently completed her first year at Fresno State, majoring in human nutrition sciences with an emphasis in dietetics. 

Born and raised in Porterville, she was encouraged by her parents to pursue higher education and also give back to the community. She has been an active volunteer in Porterville, dedicating her time to women’s shelters and events supporting victims of domestic violence. 

While at Fresno State, Bedolla-Gutierrez became a member of the university’s College Assistance Migrant Program, commonly referred to as CAMP. 

The College Assistance Migrant Program assists first-year Fresno State students from migrant and seasonal farmworker families. The program works with campus staff, faculty and the community to provide access to academic, personal and professional resources and improve educational opportunities for students, setting them up to be successful for the rest of their time at Fresno State and into their professional careers.

“I encourage everyone to consider applying for CAMP,” said Ximena Hidalgo, outreach and recruitment adviser for the program. “It offers financial assistance, academic support and a supportive community tailored to students from migrant and seasonal farmworker backgrounds. Being part of CAMP can provide you with resources, networking opportunities and a strong foundation for your future.”

Over the course of her internship in Washington D.C, Bedolla-Gutierrez will learn about the workings of the federal government and policy development and implementation. She will also participate in seminars and leadership activities, including networking with Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute alumni, many of whom are now leaders on Capitol Hill as well as in Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations that support Latino education and leadership development.

“This internship seeks leaders, and Anna demonstrates that all around,” said Jose Mundo, academic and career adviser for the College Assistance Migrant Program. “Anna is a disciplined, honorable and curious student always willing to learn and help those around her.”

“It has been an honor to see her growth…Like many first-generation students, Anna seemed nervous and shy to talk to others, but was thrilled to start college. She asked many questions and was always communicative of concerns she had regarding her transition to Fresno State. Slowly, we noticed her strong leadership skills and academic discipline. She earned a 4.0 GPA during her first semester, which spoke of her hard work, ability to adapt and dedication.”

Three other students from the College Assistance Migrant Program are also participating in coveted internships this summer: 

  • Marbella Hernandez, a sociology major from Mendota, will intern for Student Action with Farmworkers at the Great Samaritan Clinic in North Carolina, where she hopes to gain insight into how she can assist farmworkers with health-related issues. 
  • Galilea Tinoco-Rodriguez, a biology major from Salinas, will gain hands-on experience and work with professionals at UC Davis Medical Center and Kaiser facilities through her internship with Preparando Estudiantes Para Ser Médicos. She will analyze the health disparities that exist in the Latinx community and contribute to the efforts to increase cultural competency and holistic care provided by physicians in California. 
  • Juan Francisco Rodriguez Hernandez, a plant science major from Michoacan, Mexico, will intern with the United States Department of Agriculture in Washington D.C., providing programmatic support for the Natural Resources and Conservation Service and learning more about the impact this agency has on farmers, soil and plant science across the country. 

Hidalgo said, “By participating in CAMP, I hope students develop crucial skills, gain confidence and build a strong network of peers and mentors. Ultimately, I hope students leave with the tools and support necessary to thrive academically, personally and professionally throughout their college journey and beyond.”