High School Equivalency Program (HEP)

The High School Equivalency Program (HEP) helps migrant and seasonal farmworkers and their immediate family members who are 18 years of age or older and not currently enrolled in school to obtain the equivalent of a high school diploma. HEP also provides assistance to participants to further their education and knowledge so they may qualify for more rewarding employment, enroll in vocational or technical schools, two-year community colleges, four-year universities or military services.

Eligibility Criteria

A migrant or seasonally employed agricultural worker or their immediate family members are eligible for HEP if they meet the following criteria:

1. Within the past 24 months has worked or has an immediate family member who has worked a minimum of 75 days in migrant or seasonal farmwork; this includes any activity directly related to the production of crops, dairy products, poultry, livestock, cultivation or harvesting of trees and fishery.
2. OR has been eligible for or has participated in a high school Migrant Education Program and obtained a Certificate of Eligibility (COE);
3. OR has participated in or is eligible for programs under the Workforce Investment Act for migrant and seasonal farm workers (WIA Section 167);
4. Is at least 18 years of age or over;
5. Is not currently enrolled in an elementary or secondary school;
6. Has not earned a U.S. secondary school diploma or its equivalency.

Learn More

For more information about HEP, please contact Melissa Morlock at mwmorlock745@my.pittcc.edu.