News Release

Valuable Chemeketa HEP Program Receives Competitive US Grant

September 17, 2009 Salem Ore.

Chemeketa Community College announces a newly received grant from the US Department of Education to continue our successful High School Equivalency (HEP) program for five more years. This competitive, federal grant totals $2,166,968 and spans from July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2014.

HEP helps migrant and seasonal farm workers and their immediate family members successfully test for the General Educational Development (GED) credential. Each cohort of students participates in intensive classes, tutoring, and other services, as well as follow-up workshops preparing GED earners for continuing education, better jobs, or military service. Each cohort is up to 11 weeks.

“In the last 10 years, Chemeketa’s HEP program has helped more than 700 students earn a GED,” said Linda Herrera, director, High School Equivalency Program. “It is an honor to continue to provide access to education to members of our Chemeketa community who may not otherwise have opportunities in post-secondary education."

Chemeketa HEP is well connected in the Oregon migrant community and clearly meets the requirements for coordination in the amended Higher Education Act. Key partners involved with Chemeketa’s HEP program include Woodburn Public Schools Migrant Education, Salem-Keizer Migrant Education, Willamette ESD Migrant Education, and the Oregon Migrant Education Service Center. These agencies have first contact with migrant farm workers and their families seeking education.

Chemeketa Community College is a publicly funded higher education institution serving Oregon's Mid-Willamette Valley. Chemeketa is dedicated to improving the lives of its students and strengthening the local workforce.

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Updated sept 15, 2009 by PR.