HIGH SCHOOL EQUIVALENCY PROGRAM

1. HIGH SCHOOLEQUIVALENCY PROGRAM The University of Texas-Pan American Planting a seed of opportunity towards A REWARDING HARVEST!

2. Our History • The High School Equivalency Program (HEP) is a federally-funded program with the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Migrant Education. • HEP began providing GED instruction in 1967 in an effort to assist agricultural workers with attaining their General Educational Development (GED) certificate. • In 1972, HEP opened its doors in Edinburg, Texas at then Pan American University. • Having since served thousands of students, The University of Texas-Pan American continues the tradition of preparing students to pursue higher education and/or enter the workforce. • The program is currently funded to serve 125 students per academic year.

3. Free Benefits and Services • GED instruction, tutoring, and testing • Human development classes • Address personal issues, life skills, job search and career preparation skills, post-secondary studies preparation, etc. • Counseling services • Academic, career, and personal issues • Referrals to community services • Post-secondary, employment, and social service • Cultural and educational field trips • On a limited basis • Bus tickets • Dorm housing • Graduation ceremony and reception • Lunch, stipends, and more

4. Key Eligibility Criteria • Not be enrolled in school or have a high school diploma • Be at least 17-years old (16 with court order) • Applicant or eligible family member must submit MSFW verification of having within the past 24 months: • Spent a minimum of 75 days conducting eligible migrant or seasonal farm work; or • Participated or been eligible to participate in Title 1– Migrant Education Program (under 34 CFR part 200, Subpart C); or • Participated or been eligible to participate in Employment and Training Administration, Department of Labor--Migrant and Seasonal Farmworker Programs (under 20 CFR part 633) • Satisfactory scores on academic assessment • Tests of Adult Basic Education (TABE) scores must be at an eighth grade-level minimum • GED scores (evaluated on a case-by-case basis)

5. Eligible Persons for Farmworker Status • Self • Immediate family members • Spouse; • Parent, step-parent, adoptive parent, foster parent, or anyone with guardianship; • Any person who claims the individual as a dependent on a Federal income tax return for either of the previous two years; • Any person who resides in the same household as the individual, supports that individual financially, and is a relative of that individual

6. Farmworker Status • Farmwork definition • Refers to any agricultural activity, performed for either wages or personal subsistence, on a farm, ranch, or similar establishment • Such activities are those directly related to: • The production of crops, dairy products, poultry, or livestock; • The cultivation or harvesting of trees; or • Working on fish farms. • Documentation • Work verification • Work affidavit form • Paycheck stubs • Income tax forms (W-2) • 34 CFR part 200, Subpart C (Title I --Migrant Education Program) • Certificate of Eligibility (COE) • 20 CFR part 633 (Employment & Training Administration, Department of Labor--MSFW Programs) • Referral letter or document from program Work

7. The Entrance Assessment • The assessment administered is the Tests of Adult Basic Education (TABE) • Used by many adult education programs to determine academic level • Consists of 100 questions in three main categories • Reading • Mathematics • Language • Time limit of two hours • Need a minimum score of an 8.0 (8thgrade level equivalency) • A study packet is available upon request

8. Documentation for Minors • All minors (16 and 17 year-olds) must submit • Parental/guardian approval signatures on Application for Admission or a marriage certificate • Withdrawal form from school district • “TEA GED Test Administration Withdrawal Form” • All 16 year-olds must also submit • Referral letter from probation department; or • Court order/referral

9. Admission Process-Eligibility • Participate in program overview • Submit completed Application for Admission • Submit two forms of official identification (i.e., social security card, driver‘s license, etc.) • Submit verification of MSFW status • Attain or submit satisfactory assessment scores • All minors • Provide parent/guardian signatures of approval on application • Submit school and testing withdrawal forms • Submit court order or court referral for 16-year olds

10. Admission Process-Administrative • Submit forms • Authorization for Release of Photographs • Request and Authorization for Release of Information • Release and Indemnification Agreement • Additional minor requirements • Parent/Guardian Consent to Take Tests of GED form • Medical Release form • Family meeting with academic staff • Parent/Guardian/Spouse, applicant and academic staff • Discuss participation and success issues

11. Other Factors to Consider • The program is designed to graduate students in three months or less • Additional time to complete the program, if needed, will be determined largely on available space, time of year, student’s participation and conduct • Students should maximize their time with the program • Possess willingness to dedicate their time and effort towards the successful completion of the program and passing the GED exams • Classes are held Monday through Friday from 8:10 am to 3:30 pm • Students should plan to attend the entire day and week • Schedules may be readjusted as GED exams are taken and eliminated • All classes are conducted in English and students should be proficient enough in the language to participate in classroom activities

12. Campus Visit • Walk-ins are welcome but appointments are encouraged • To ensure that a HEP staff is available, applicants are encouraged to at least call before visiting • Parking on campus • A parking permit is required whenever parking on campus—even for visitors • Metered parking spaces are also available for a small fee but a time limit is imposed • Stop by the campus Information Booth for a temporary parking permit and directions on where to park • Permanent parking permits will be provided to students upon attending student orientation

13. Program Pathway HEP Orientation Program Participation Application Process Accepted Ineligible Evaluate Needs Status Change Receive GED & Attend Graduation Take GED Exam(s) PASS FAIL Referred To Other Program or Reassessed If Status Changes Better Opportunities Post-Secondary Studies and/or Work

14. Information Booth • Located off of University Drive in the center of campus in front of Visitor’s Center and bronze bronco statue • Ask about parking near HEP office • HEP Office • Emilia SR Hall • 2ndfloor, Rm. 2.207 • Phone: (956)665-2521

15. High School Equivalency Program THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS-PAN AMERICAN 1201 W. University Drive • ESRH Room 2.207 Edinburg, Texas 78539-2999 Phone: (956) 665-2521 • Fax: (956) 665-7108 Email: hep@utpa.edu • Online: www.utpa.edu/hep Jaime Daniel Garza Outreach & Recruitment Specialist Email: j_garza@utpa.edu Appointments preferred but walk-ins always welcome!