Publish Date: May 25, 2017
2017 HEP Graduate Recognition Ceremony to celebrate 97
SALINAS, Calif. – Hartnell Community College District’s High School Equivalency Program (HEP) will hold its 2017 Graduate Recognition Ceremony Saturday, May 27, 2017 at 12:00 p.m. at Mainstage, Building K located at 411 Central Ave. in Salinas, CA followed by a celebratory lunch in Student Center for graduates and their guests.
This year 97 students have successfully attained their high school equivalency from the State of California – 49 completed during fall 2016, the remaining 48 in spring 2017.
The celebration of student achievement will commence with the national anthem, and a welcome by HEP Director, Eric Becerra, followed by a keynote from HEP alumna, Leticia Sanchez, who learned English at Hartnell, joined the CSin3 program, and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science. Student Ana Rodriguez will give the HEP Valedictorian Address.
“The dedication, perseverance and sacrifice of our students, coupled with institutional support and the expertise and great efforts from our staff have placed us amongst the top performing projects in the nation for several years now,” expressed Becerra. “More importantly, we are supporting individuals in their quest to end a familial tradition of manual labor, and replace it with one of education!”
Since 2006, Hartnell’s HEP has helped over 1,000 students earn their high school equivalency (HSE). "Education is the key to economic prosperity for our communities and for improved quality of life for our families,” stated Superintendent/President, Dr. Willard Lewallen. “The HEP Program provides an important step in improving education attainment outcomes for those we serve."
In July of 2016, the U.S. Department of Education awarded HEP a 5-year, $475,000 per year federal grant to fund programs for migratory and seasonal farmworkers and their children to obtain the equivalent of a high school diploma. This marks Hartnell’s third award of this grant, ensuring continued services through 2021. Hartnell HEP supports 125 students per year towards the attainment of a high school equivalency and transition into higher education, technical training, military service, or improved employment.
HEP partners with a variety of programs, clinics, consortiums, plus with adult schools in Salinas and Soledad. For more information on the High School Equivalency Program at Hartnell College, call the HEP office at 831-770-7070.
Hartnell Community College District – established in 1920
The Hartnell CCD serves over 17,000 students annually through its main campus in Salinas, the Alisal Campus in East Salinas, the King City Education Center, and various outreach learning centers throughout the Salinas Valley. Hartnell College, a Hispanic Serving Institution, provides workforce training, basic skills courses, and prepares students for transfer to four-year colleges and universities. Hartnell College is recognized for its innovative public and private partnerships that support world class STEM education, career technical education, fine and performing arts, humanities, and athletics. We are proud to be the winners of the Innovation Award for CSin3 – a Computer Science degree in three years. We are growing leaders through opportunity, engagement, and achievement. For more about Hartnell CCD, visit www.hartnell.edu .
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