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HEP Provisions

Many students from migrant farmworker families, often marginalized in school and in society in general, feel that the traditional classroom environment does not meet their unique academic and emotional needs. Teachers at the High School Equivalency Programs in all regions have been successful in creating a "community of learners" by incorporating activities that help the students lower their affective filters. Feeling accepted and comfortable in class helps students engage in the learning process. The classroom setting is a place where learning flows from the students' own experience.

• Class Schedule - HEP's class schedule can be intense, but students quickly get used to the fast pace of our program. HEP students attend classes according to schedule established in your region of the state, but often classes are offered every weekday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Classes – Project staff offer a regular academic curriculum that includes instruction in Math, Language Arts, Social Studies and Science. Furthermore, our HEP programs offer a Critical Thinking component—something that sets us apart from other programs in the country. Each day, HEP students learn about study skills, test taking strategies and critical thinking strategies that add to reading comprehension and overall learning experiences. While at HEP, the students coordinate with the Regional Site Coordinator and project staff to learn about vocational skills and to obtain information about post-secondary educational opportunities and job placement, as well as financial aid and professional training.
• Our extracurricular activities are as enriching as our academic component. Students in the program frequently attend cultural and social events found in the community in which they complete their classes. We also take advantage of the many opportunities for extracurricular activities offered at each of the regional college campuses.
Transitional Provisions

The transition component of the program is designed to support the placement of students in academic, vocational, or employment settings commensurate with their interests and abilities and to ensure successful integration of students in community settings. Transition activities are incorporated into the HEP program. Activities include:

• Career exploration and shadowing
• Community living
• Counseling
• Employability skill development
• Post-secondary placement
• Vocational evaluation

A speaker’s bureau consisting of representatives from various community agencies provide HEP students the opportunity to interact with individuals from their communities. Representatives share issues and concerns affecting adult community living and make students aware of services to which they have access.