The High School Equivalency Program (HEP) at Ï㽶ÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø is federally funded through the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Migrant Education, for a 5-year grant period. The HEP Program provides migrant and seasonal farm workers and their families with the necessary training to obtain the equivalent of a high school diploma and, subsequently, to gain employment or be placed in an institution of higher education or other postsecondary education or training. Ï㽶ÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø HEP provides financial support, personal and social guidance, academic opportunities, career exploration, and educational workshops to ensure students reach their full potential.

Apply today! / ¡Inscríbete hoy!QR code HEPYou can also contact Laura Gallegos, HEP Recruiter

Email: HEP@valdosta.edu

Phone: 229-415-9853

To be eligible for HEP classes, you must be at least 18 years old.

You must also meet at least one of the following requirements:

  • Have been a seasonal farm worker* (or a family member of a worker) who worked on a U.S. farm a minimum of 75 days during the past 24 months.
    • Activities directly related to, but not limited to:
      1. The production of crops, dairy products, poultry or livestock;
      2. The cultivation or harvesting of trees (orchards, forestry, Christmas trees); or fish farms
  • Have participated, or be eligible to participate, in the Title I, Part C, Migrant Education Program (Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965) and produce a Certificate of Eligibility (COE).
  • Have participated, or be eligible to participate, in the Employment and Training Administration, National Farmworker Jobs Program (NFJP), i.e., Southeast Non-Profit, or other services and activities established under Section 167 of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA).

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Not currently enrolled in school
  • Demonstrate adequate reading skills in either English or Spanish
  • Demonstrate financial need as well as academic and support services

  • Call the HEP Office at 229-415-9853 to find out if you qualify for the program
  • Make an appointment to take the entrance test (reading comprehension and math)
  • Have at least one of the following forms of photo ID (unexpired)
    • State-issued driver's license
    • State-issued ID (from the Division of Motor Vehicles)
    • Passport (U.S. or international)
    • Matrícula consular
  • Attend the orientation session

  • Free classes, laptop computer, books and study materials
  • Classes in English and Spanish
  • High school equivalency testing fees covered
  • Financial assistance and stipends (based on need)
  • Tutoring
  • Post-graduation assistance for enrollment in higher education, career advancement, and/or military placement
  • Graduation ceremony
  • Cultural events

  • Flexible schedule
  • In-person and online options
  • Classes, textbooks, and official high school equivalency credential tests are available in both Spanish and English
  • Evening virtual classes two times a week
  • Weekly tutoring sessions are available
  • Academic advising

Call or email the Ï㽶ÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø HEP Office to find out if you qualify for the program:

229-415-9853

hep@valdosta.edu