The Extended Family: An Educational Program for the Seasonal and Migrant Farm Worker.

This paper describes the University of Tennessee's High School Equivalency Program (HEP), one of 21 programs throughout the United States aimed at assisting seasonal and migrant farm workers in improving their level of employment and education. For the first 4 years, the University of Tennessee's HEP was a campus-based residency program, but in 1986 it was changed to a work-site-based operation to better meet the needs of students and their families. The Office of Migrant Education also developed a sister program, the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) to support HEP graduates in continuing their education. Each participant in HEP is provided with a minimum of 30 hours per week of instruction in mathematics, science, social studies, writing, and reading with the goal of attaining a GED certificate. A behavioral component of the program focuses on stress management, career selection, money management, avocational interests, and time management. Throughout its existence, the University of Tennessee's HEP has established strong linkages with local programs and agencies in accessing services for migrant and seasonal farm workers. The program has presently served 90 percent of its 167-student goal. Students enrolled in the program are passing the GED test at a 73 percent rate. Sixty-six percent of students who have completed the program have been placed in competitive nonfarm employment and 16 percent have entered postsecondary education. The site-based program has encouraged older members of the extended family to take advantage of HEP. Appendices include maps of HEP and CAMP sites. (LP)