UTEP receives $2.3M grant to help migrants, farmworkers complete high school

EL PASO, Texas ( KTSM ) — The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) received a new $2.3 million grant to support migrant and seasonal farm workers in their pursuit of a High School Equivalency Certificate, the university said in a press release Tuesday morning, July 23.

UTEP says 55 students ages 17 and older from the region will attend “intensive high school equivalency courses over a 12-week cycle at various sites, including the UTEP Campus,” as part of the university’s High School Equivalency Program (HEP), which began in 1972.

The grant covers financial assistance for the student’s coursework including transportation assistance, testing fees, books, and more.

Participants can also take courses at a designated site near their home or attend the program remotely.

“HEP provides students with the materials they need to obtain their GED certificate, career orientation sessions, support from tutors, and presentations from various speakers. Participants also receive guidance on how to get into postsecondary education,” UTEP said.

UTEP says the program’s goal is to create opportunities for students to grow academically and unlock their potential.

UTEP says the program has served more than 3,000 individuals since its inception and Director of the UTEP HEP Norma Chacon says the program maintains a high graduation rate of 70 percent per cycle.

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