What is HEP?
The High School Equivalency Program (HEP) is funded by the U.S. Department of Education and implemented through the Office of Diversity Division at Columbia Basin College located in Pasco, Wash. It is a secondary migrant education program designed to assist migrant and seasonal farm workers to earn their General Educational Development (GED) certificate. HEP's goal is to help students further their education and knowledge so they may qualify for more rewarding employment or enroll in vocational or technical schools, two-year community colleges, four-year universities or military services.
What does HEP provide?
Academic Assistance
- Academic Advising
- Academic Skills Assessments
- Tutoring
Career Advising
- Career Interest Inventory Assessment
- Career Planning
- Referrals to Employment Agencies
Cultural Enrichments & Recognition
- College Visits and Tours
- Social and Cultural Events
- Student Recognition
Support Services
- Stipends/Textbooks and Supplies
- Follow-up Services
- Referrals to Social Services and other agencies in the community
Requirements
To participate in HEP a student must:
- Not have earned a high school diploma or its equivalent
- Be at least 16 years old (must provide signed waiver from high school if under 19)
- Have a passing score on the entrance exam
- Have spent, or have a parent who has spent, a minimum of 75 days during the past 24 months in migrant or seasonal farm work. This includes any activity directly related to the production of crops, dairy products, poultry, livestock, cultivation or harvesting of trees and fishery.
Or have participated in or are eligible for a high school Migrant Education Program, obtained Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
Or have participated in or are eligible for programs under the Workforce Investment Act for migrant and seasonal farm workers (WIA Section 167)
How to apply to HEP
- Complete English HEP Application
- Complete Spanish HEP Application
- Submit autobiography
- If under age 19, submit a waiver from last high school attended or local high school
- Provide one of the following:
- Paycheck stubs (75 days worth)
- W-2
- Employment Verification Form
- Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
- WIA 167 Youth Program
Free viewers are required for some of the attached documents. They can be downloaded by clicking on the icons below.
For questions or comments about this page, please contact
Adan Suarez, HEP Director, 509-542-4776
