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Department of Education selects CHS to provide educational services to Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers:
High School Equivalency Program will continue to serve mid-Atlantic 

With a new grant from the Department of Education’s Office of Migrant Education (MEP), the Center for Human Services (CHS) will continue its partnership with La Comunidad Hispana, Inc., local community organizations, and businesses to provide educational opportunities to migrant and seasonal farmworkers. For 25 years, CHS has managed the High School Equivalency Program (HEP) in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware (states with large farming communities), and will now also serve Maryland.

Migrant and seasonal farmworkers face barriers to getting education

Migrant farmworkers are defined as agricultural laborers who travel to different locations for work. Seasonal farmworkers gain employment during specific crop cycles. Migrant and seasonal farmworkers’ frequent relocation, limited English, unpredictable work schedules, and unstable financial situations provide barriers to pursuing education. 

In a survey of 50 migrant and seasonal farmworkers, CHS found that 65% want to attain the GED in order achieve higher education. HEP helps farmworkers continue their education.

Synopsis of HEP model

HEP is a four and a half month program that aids migrant and seasonal farmworkers obtain a General Educational Development (GED) certificate, which confirms the completion of a high school education. The HEP learning centers are located within the migrant workers’ housing communities and farms. Through lectures, hands on activities, peer instruction, and discussions, CHS will assist HEP students to:

• Improve math, writing, computer skills, and English as a Second Language (ESL)
• Prepare for the GED and improve testing skills
• Enhance problem solving and creative thinking skills.

Each center displays student artwork, awards, and published writings to create a welcome learning environment.

HEP offers additional educational possibilities

While HEP focuses primarily on attainment of the GED, the program also arranges other educational opportunities including, campus tours, non-credit and credit summer classes, and financial aid workshops.

In addition, CHS students have the opportunity to spend a week in residence at McDaniel College each summer as part of a program called Common Ground on the Hill. The program is designed to assist HEP students’ transition to college life and to achieve social integration with other students. McDaniel College houses students for one week as they explore various music, dance and art traditions drawn from the traditions of white, Black, Native American and Hispanic/Latino cultures.

For additional information on this project please contact the Project Director, Grogan Ullah, at gullah@urc-chs.com.