Programs

High School Equivalency Program

HEP students at USF

The High School Equivalency Program (HEP) at USF is designed to help students who are or have parents who are seasonal
farmworkers obtain the equivalent of a high school diploma and subsequently to gain employment or be placed in an in institution of higher education or other post secondary education or training.

The HEP program has assisted with the education of students from migrant and seasonal farmworker backgrounds for more than 30 years. Participants are recruited to the University of South Florida through the efforts of an extensive recruitment network which includes the State Departments of Education and Labor, local school districts and community agencies.

HEP participants have dropped out of high school because of family mobility and a need to work to help their families survive. HEP students have a strong desire to succeed. Once enrolled in HEP, they quickly become part of the university community and demonstrate extraordinary success.

HEP Services

The High School Equivalency program provides the following services to its students: 

  • Recruitment/Outreach
  • Full-day, individualized classroom instruction
  • Room and board
  • Transportation
  • Transitional services
  • Community involvement and service
  • Cultural enrichment
  • Health services
  • Weekly stipend
  • Learning resources
  • Daily tutorial
  • Life skills classes

Learn more about the HEP program's application and eligibility requirements