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The High School Equivalency Program (HEP) at Valdosta State University is federally funded through the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Migrant Education, for a 5-year grant period. The HEP Program provides migrant and seasonal farm workers and their families with the necessary training to obtain the equivalent of a high school diploma and, subsequently, to gain employment or be placed in an institution of higher education or other postsecondary education or training. VSU HEP provides financial support, personal and social guidance, academic opportunities, career exploration, and educational workshops to ensure students reach their full potential.

 

To be eligible for HEP classes, you must be at least 18 years old.

You must also meet at least one of the following requirements:

  • Have been a seasonal farm worker* (or a family member of a worker) who worked on a U.S. farm a minimum of 75 days during the past 24 months.
    • Activities directly related to, but not limited to:
      1. The production of crops, dairy products, poultry or livestock;
      2. The cultivation or harvesting of trees (orchards, forestry, Christmas trees); or fish farms
  • Have participated, or be eligible to participate, in the Title I, Part C, Migrant Education Program (Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965) and produce a Certificate of Eligibility (COE).
  • Have participated, or be eligible to participate, in the Employment and Training Administration, National Farmworker Jobs Program (NFJP), i.e., Telamon, or other services and activities established under Section 167 of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA).

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Not currently enrolled in school
  • Demonstrate adequate reading skills in either English or Spanish
  • Demonstrate financial need as well as academic and support services

  • Call the HEP Office at 229-253-2861 to find out if you qualify for the program
  • Make an appointment to take the entrance test (reading comprehension and math)
  • Have at least one of the following forms of photo ID (unexpired)
    • State-issued driver's license
    • State-issued ID (from the Division of Motor Vehicles)
    • Passport (U.S. or international)
    • Matrícula consular
  • Attend the orientation session

  • Free classes, laptop computer, books and study materials
  • Classes in English and Spanish
  • High school equivalency testing fees covered
  • Financial assistance and stipends (based on need)
  • Tutoring
  • Post-graduation assistance for enrollment in higher education, career advancement and/or military placement
  • Graduation ceremony
  • Cultural events

  • Flexible schedule
  • In-person and online options
  • Classes, textbooks and official high school equivalency credential tests are available in both Spanish and English
  • Evening virtual classes two times a week
  • Weekly tutoring sessions are available
  • Academic advising

Call or email the VSU HEP Office to find out if you qualify for the program:

229-253-2861

hep@valdosta.edu

Notice Regarding Applications

Thank you for your interest in the High School Equivalency Program (HEP) at Valdosta State University.

At this time, we are not accepting new applications as we await confirmation of funding for the upcoming program year. We hope to have more information soon and will update this page as soon as possible.

If you have questions or would like to be contacted once applications reopen, please email us at hep@valdosta.edu

Thank you for your patience and continued interest in our program!