Making an Impact: HEP/CAMP Intern Yasmin Miranda-Mandujano

Yasmin Miranda-Mandujano is one of 14 students chosen for an internship with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) High School Equivalency Program/College Assistance Migrant Program (HEP/CAMP). Yasmin is a sophomore at Madera Community College in California, majoring in business administration.

USDA partners with the National HEP/CAMP Association to provide students from farmworker or migrant backgrounds with a ten-week paid internship in Washington, D.C. Administered by USDA's Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement, interns work at various USDA agencies to gain experience and learn about different opportunities at the Department.

Yasmin's devotion to working with migrant farmwork communities and her desire to make a meaningful impact sparked her interest in the program. She believes that understanding how USDA functions will help her goal of improving working conditions for farmworkers.

Yasmin recently completed an internship with USDA's Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Under Associate Deputy Administrator Chevon Gibson. She worked closely with other interns to transfer data into a new goal tracking app being developed by the ARS Office of Administrative and Financial Management. "I really enjoyed the collaborative work and being a piece to a puzzle that is being built," Yasmin said.

During her time at USDA, Yasmin gained not only hands-on work experience, but also learned about the power of networking and building connections, knowledge she intends to impart to the next cohort of HEP/CAMP interns. "There are so many amazing employees that have inspirational stories to share, so take time to reach out and schedule meetings," she said.

Through her internship experience, Yasmin has learned about various USDA programs available to serve students like her, such as the Pathways Program and the NextGen Program. Yasmin hopes to pave the way for students in her community to provide them with opportunities to gain professional experience. "These programs are crucial for communities like mine that are greatly impacted by the USDA programs like Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the National School Lunch Program," she said.

"I never imagined working a federal job, but being able to see firsthand how USDA affects individuals and families like mine has really impacted and shifted my career goals," she said.

As she ventures into a career in advocacy and outreach, Yasmin intends to draw on the expertise of her contacts at USDA to support her community.