The High School Equivalency Program (HEP) helps migratory and seasonal farmworkers (or children of such workers) who are 16 years of age or older, and not currently enrolled in high school, obtain the equivalent of a high school diploma and, subsequently, gain employment or begin postsecondary education or training. The program serves more than 7,000 students annually throughout the United States. Competitive awards are granted with five years of funding by the Federal Government through the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Migrant Education (OME).