Program Office: Office of Migrant Education

CFDA Number: 84.141A
Program Type: Discretionary/Competitive Grants
Also Known As: HEP

The High School Equivalency Program (HEP) helps migratory and seasonal farmworkers (or children of such workers) who are 16 years of age or older and not currently enrolled in school to obtain the equivalent of a high school diploma and, subsequently, to gain employment or begin postsecondary education or training. The program serves more than 7,000 students annually. Competitive awards are made for up to five years of funding.

HEP participants receive developmental instruction and counseling services intended to prepare them to:

1. Complete the requirements for high school graduation or for General Educational Development (GED) certificates;

2. Pass standardized tests of high school equivalency; and

3. Participate in subsequent postsecondary education and career activities. The major support services offered through HEP are counseling, job placement, health care, financial aid stipends, housing for residential students, and cultural and academic programs.