HEP

Welcome to Tri-State HEP

– High School Equivalency Program

Tri-State HEP is a program for migrant students and their families who are unable to graduate from high school because of frequent family moves.

The program goals include: Completion of G.E.D. and placement in post-secondary education, careers or the military.

Tri-State HEP allows migrants and their families to complete their GED on campus or online. Online instructions can be found by clicking HERE.

We have several satellite locations where we offer GED evening and/or day classes, such as Liberal, Garden City, Dodge City, Parsons, and Fort Scott, Kansas, Russellville, areas of Arkansas, and Guymon, Oklahoma, plus an online option.

The high school equivalency program is funded through the U.S. Department of Education.

Tri-State HEP began in 2001 and is 100% funded by the U.S. Department of Education and the Office of Migrant Education. The 2023-2024 grant amount is $473,288.    

Eligible students receive the following free:

  • Free instruction and testing (online or on-campus)
  • Free books and supplies
  • Free tutoring and mentoring 
  • Laptop and WiFi checkout
  • Opportunities to participate in cultural events and/or college campus visits 
  • Assistance with job advancement, ESL enrollment, or college enrollment
  • Stipends for vision, hearing, or medical expenses
  • Monthly stipends for childcare while in class (also includes online classes)
  • Stipend of $200 to apply toward personal expenses, at the end of instruction

Click Here for the Application in Spanish

Click Here for the Application in English

What our program is like

HEP students study in a congenial atmosphere with dedicated, professional instructors.  HEP students enjoy cultural events such as field trips to museums, and graduation celebrations, among other activities.

Student requirements and expectations

  • Students at satellite sites should complete within 20 weeks
  • Complete regular progress tests
  • Participate in cultural events and health evaluations
  • Complete and pass the official practice test
  • Complete and pass the official GED exam
  • Graduate!!
  • Enter post-secondary education, career, or military​

Eligibility Requirements

  • Migrant and seasonal farmworkers and their immediate family.
  • 16 years of age or older not attending high school
  • Lacking a high school diploma
  • Must take all GED ready tests and average 140 or above
  • Must have worked, for either wages or personal subsistence, at least 75 days during the past 24 months (Not necessarily consecutive)
  • Any agricultural work activity on a temporary or seasonal basis directly related to:
    • The production of crops, dairy products, poultry or livestock;
    • The cultivation or harvesting of trees; or
    • Fish farms
  • The work cannot be a constant year-round activity
  • No processing activities are allowable for adults; however:
    • Youth (under age 22) qualify based on being eligible to participate or having participated within the preceding 2 years in MEP(COE); or
    • National Farmworker Jobs Program (NFJP), Section 167 of WIA

Locations

Online

  • 20-week program

479-257-0835

Kansas

  • DCCC Adult Learning Center

700 Ave. G

Dodge City, KS 67801

620-225-0186

  • Parsons (Labette Community College)

200 S 14th St.

Parson KS 67357

620- 421-6700

  • Fort Scott Community College

2108 S. Horton St.

Fort Scott, KS 66701

620-231-3863

  • Garden City Adult Learning Center

801 Campus Drive

Garden City, KS 67846

620-276-0364

  • Liberal

Epworth Adult Learning Center

520 N Washington

Liberal, KS 67901

(620) 417-1313

Arkansas

  • Russellville

Russellville Adult Education Center

1000 South Arkansas Avenue

Russellville, AR  72811

479-968-5244

  • Areas of Arkansas (479-257-0835)

Bentonville

Rogers

Springdale

Fayetteville

Siloam Springs

Jonesboro

Dardanelle

Oklahoma

  • Guymon Public Schools

801 N. Beaver

Guymon, OK  73942

580-338-4340

Services

Books and Supplies

  • GED Study Books
  • Academic Supplies
  • Notebooks
  • Pens, pencils
  • Calculator
  • Dictionary
  • Other

Educational

  • Assessment of individual skills, career aptitude, and commitment to program
  • Individualized learning plan
  • Academic advising and counseling
  • Vocational exploration
  • ESL Available
  • Tutoring
  • GED instruction
  • Students successfully completing their GED’s have competency in the four subject areas of reading/writing, math, science, and social studies
  • Students receive a State High School Diploma which is equivalent to a high school diploma
  • The GED is equally accepted as a high school diploma from business & industry and higher education institutions
  • Technology and Computer Training

Health

  • Health screening at community health offices
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Limited to $150 per student

Information

  • Assistance concerning federal financial aid
  • Scholarships
  • Referrals to CAMP (College Assistance Migrant Program)

Stipends

  • Stipends are used to cover personal expenses while attending GED classes
Contact Information

Jena Russell
jenar@fortscott.edu
Director of HEP
620.223.2700 ext. 7801

Hollie Souza
hollies@fortscott.edu
HEP Database Manager
620.223.2700 ext. 7802

Santos Manrique
santosm@fortscott.edu
Dean of Crawford County Campus/HEP Instructional Support Services Coordinator
620.231.3819