High School Equivalency Program
Kansas State University’s High School Equivalency Program (HEP),
which began in 2001, serves approximately 75 students per year. All of
the students
who attend HEP are from families whose primary source of income is migrant
and seasonal farmwork. Approximately 98 percent of HEP students are from
Hispanic ethnic descent. HEP students generally range in age from 17-21.
They are recruited
to Kansas State University and its satellite offices in Region 1 (Garden
City Community College), Region 2 (Emporia School District) and Region
3 (El Centro
in Kansas City) through the efforts of an extensive recruitment network which
includes the State Departments of Education and Labor, local school districts
and community agencies.
Typically, HEP students have dropped out of high school because of family
mobility and a need to work to help their families survive. Although these
students
are of average and above average ability, their academic records are often
inconsistent and poor, reflecting frequent school interruptions. Despite
their somewhat disappointing educational histories, HEP students have a
strong desire
to succeed. Once enrolled in HEP, these individuals quickly become part
of the university community and demonstrate extraordinary success.
Lupe Macías, pictured here with Dr. Robert Fanning and Ms. Itzel Rodriguez, obtained the highest scores on the Spanish GED in the State of Kansas in 2007. He was recognized during the Kansas State Migrant Conference.