UTEP receives more than US$2 million to support migrant farm worker education

EL PASO, TX – The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) unveiled a new $2.3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to support migrant and seasonal farmworkers in their pursuit of a High School Equivalency Certificate (HSE).

The UTEP initiative, started in 1972. In its latest iteration, 55 participants ages 17 and older from across far West Texas and southern New Mexico will attend intensive high school equivalency courses on a 12-week cycle at various sites, including the UTEP Campus. Participants can also take courses at a designated site near their home or attend the program remotely.

Norma Chacon, director of UTEP’s HSE program, said the on-campus courses are an especially valuable part of the program.

“Students often bring their families, and at that point we’re not just changing a life, but recruiting their friends, parents, brothers, sisters, or children. Suddenly, they all want to be a part of us,” Chacon explained.

The program provides students with the materials they need to obtain their certificate, career counseling sessions, tutoring support and presentations from various speakers. Participants also receive guidance on how to access post-secondary education.

Organizers say the goal of the program is to create and foster opportunities for students to grow academically and unleash their potential.

UTEP noted that the initiative has served more than 3,000 people since its inception. Meanwhile, Chacón affirmed that it maintains a high graduation rate of 70% per cycle.

To make this possible, participants receive multiple forms of support, in addition to financial aid for their courses. For example, assistance for transportation, exam fees, books, etc., all funded by the program.

The most recent grant will fund these efforts through 2029, the university detailed.