High School Equivalency Program

Program Overview

The High School Equivalency Program (HEP) is an academic program designed to meet the special needs of migrant and seasonal farm workers in pursuit of the High School Equivalency diploma. The intent of HEP is to assist these students in preparation and successful completion of the High School Equivalency exams. HEP will provide assistance for placement in universities, colleges, junior colleges, vocational institutions, military services, other post-secondary activities or career positions.

HEP is funded by the U.S. Department of Education

Cost Info

Student and Volunteer Success Stories

To begin with, I would like to talk a bit about what happened before I started this program. I left school when I was 17 years old, after that at 19 I started to work in the fields. I worked there until I was 21, it was then that my sister told me that she was going to go to school, a friend of her recommended it, it was only for farm workers and their families, and at that time it caught my attention, I wanted to go, but I wanted to continue working, if it weren't because my sister mentioned Ms. Maribel, I would never have entered, since she insisted my sister asked me to participate. After that I entered the program and classes began.

Starting the classes they gave us a tour and also a presentation where they explained to us what the program consisted of, they gave us our backpacks that had everything necessary for the classes, they also gave us what we needed for personal hygiene because fortunately my sister and I were able to stay in the dormitories. We had the 3 meals a day, our schedule to do homework and activities, which I enjoyed the most in my stay. In the classes, if we had any questions Mr. Nuñez explained things very well, also if we had any problems we always counted on everyone, not just one person, to try to help and that is something we will always appreciate. They encouraged us when they sent us to do the exams, since some including me did not feel ready, but now I thank you as I passed all my exams on the first try.didn't last long in the program since I graduated quickly, and they helped me find a job, I've been here for about 6 months and I'm very happy because I am about to start my classes in the summer, all thanks to HEP. Having stayed in the dormitories is something that I cannot forget. When classes started I was a bit nervous since I hadn't been to school in a while, but once I met my peers, my teachers or counselors, the director, my tutors and my teacher I felt much more comfortable because they were all good people, it is a program that is worth participating in. I hope that in some future they can not only help farm workers but everyone who needs and wants to study, HEP really changes lives.