About HEP
The HEP Program at Northern is a federally funded program currently offering 6-week term classes. Enrollment is contingent on space availability. HEP assists migrant and seasonal farmworkers and their immediate family members in obtaining their high school equivalency credential (HSE). For decades, the HEP program at Northern has assisted students across the Northern region of the state to obtain their HSE, allowing many students to pursue a postsecondary education or training, enter military service, and obtain or upgrade employment.
US Department of Migrant Education (OME)
HEP is administered and funded by the Office of Migrant Education (OME) through the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education of the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE). This program is authorized under Title IV, Section 418A of the Higher Education Act of 1965 as amended by section 408 of the Higher Education Opportunity Act P.L. 110-315 (H.R. 4137). The purpose of HEP is to help migrant and seasonal farm workers and members of their immediate family obtain a general education development HSE diploma that meets the guidelines for high school equivalency established in the State in which the HEP project is conducted and:
- Gain and/or upgrade employment
- Pursue an institution of higher education (IHE)
- Enroll in a postsecondary education/training
- Enroll in the military
OME provides non-profit organizations or IHE’s to host HEP projects with discretionary funds for five year grant cycles. OME’s Program Officers provide guidance to HEP Project Directors to ensure programs are in compliance in meeting program objectives and national target measures. HEP was established in 1972 with now currently serving 45 HEP projects nationwide.
HEP Provides the following services:
- Classroom instruction & individualized tutoring
- Instructional materials and books
- HSE testing fees
- Career and academic advising for college, training, employment and military
- Social, cultural, educational activities
- Supportive services (May include: Vision, Healthcare, childcare assistance, and financial stipend)
Who is eligible?
Any migrant or seasonally-employed farmworker who:
- Works or whose immediate family has worked at least 75 days during the past two years
in agricultural activities related to:
- Production of crops, dairy products, poultry or livestock
- Cultivation or harvesting of trees
- Fish farming
- Is 16 years of age or older, is not currently attending high school, and has not received a high school diploma.
- Must demonstrate adequate reading comprehension and math skills by successfully passing a pre-assessment test.
Pre-Assessment Testing is offered Monday – Friday, call 505-901-1002 to schedule an appointment.
Download the HEP Application
Fill-out the application on your computer using Adobe Acrobat Reader, and send it
to hep@nnmc.edu. If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader click here to download and install the free application.
Download the Underage Permission Form
If you are 16 or 17 years old, you will also need to complete and submit the Underage
Permission Form. The Parent/Guardian line is for both printed name and signature.
Send to hep@nnmc.edu or drop it off at the HEP Office.
In New Mexico, all High School Equivalency (HSE) records are managed by DiplomaSender. Test takers can order their
documents via email or mail.
See this document for more info.
Meet the Team
