On Saturday, July 30, at 1 p.m., the first graduating class of the Hatch High School Equivalency Program will gather at the Hatch High School Auditorium with friends and family.
The University of New Mexico's High School Equivalency Program, (HEP) in an unprecedented partnership with Doña Ana Branch Community College, established a GED preparation course in Hatch. HEP is a federally funded program through the Office of Migrant Education providing GED instruction to migrant and seasonal farm workers and their children.
Beyond obtaining a GED, HEP participants receive assistance in enrolling into college or university, receive post secondary training, enter the military or obtain a career.
Hatch native and HEP tutor, Cipi Botello said, “Our students in Hatch really make me proud because they have demonstrated to us and their community how determination and hard work leads to success.”
HEP has been in existence at UNM in Albuquerque since 2002 and this year worked to broaden its outreach. With the support of DABCC and individuals in the Hatch community, the dream of serving the Hatch community came true.
Classes began in January, midway through the program's fiscal year, and have successfully graduated nine students with the hopes of six more before the year's end on June 30.
“The dedication and drive of these students is phenomenal,” said Joaquín Griego, interim program specialist. “It takes a special person to work all day, go to classes in the evening and attend tutoring on the weekend.”
HEP staff and graduates invite the entire community to this celebration, Griego said.
Contact: Carolyn Gonzales, (505) 277-5920
Posted by scarr at June 28, 2005 03:04 PM