High School Equivalency Program

The objective of CSULB High School Equivalency Program (HEP) is to assist migratory and seasonal farmworkers and/or their immediate family members, who are 18 years of age or older and not currently enrolled in school, to obtain a High School Equivalency (HSE) Certificate and to subsequently, gain/upgrade employment or enter a postsecondary institution or training program, or enlist in the military. HEP is funded by the U.S Department of Education, Office of Migrant Education.

How to Apply to the CSULB HEP Program

Each applicant must complete the following requirements:

  • CSULB HEP admissions application
  • Provide proof of eligibility i.e. Certificate of Eligibility (COE), Employment Verification Form (EVF), or proof of participation in National Farmwork Jobs Program (NFJP).

If eligible, the applicant will need to complete the following:

  • Take and pass an admissions HSE pre-test
  • Participant Needs Assessment
  • Attend a Program Orientation before instruction begins

Enrollment in the HSE program is contingent on space availability in instructional sites. Contact the CSULB HEP at hep@csulb.edu if you have questions or need more information about the application process.

Eligibility

An individual is eligible to participate in HEP if they meet the following eligibility criteria:

  • Has or has at least one immediate family member who has spent a minimum of 75 days during the past 24 months as a migrant/seasonal farmworker or is eligible to participate, or has participated within the past 24 months, in the Migrant Education Program (MEP) or National Farmworker Jobs Program (NFJP).
  • Has not earned a secondary diploma or its equivalent.
  • Not currently be enrolled in an elementary or secondary school.
  • Must be 18 years of age or older, or beyond the age of compulsory school attendance in California.
  • Demonstrate a need for academic, personal, vocational, and financial assistance

Services

  • High School Equivalency (HSE) preparation and individualized classroom instruction in all subject areas
  • Academic and vocational advising
  • Costs of HSE exam, books and class materials
  • One-on-one and group tutorial assistance
  • Post-HEP assistance and planning
  • Extracurricular activities for personal and group development