NM college recognized for helping high-schoolers

SANTA FE — For the second year in a row, Northern New Mexico College’s High School Equivalency Program ranked first among 50 such programs in the nation in 2017 by the U.S. Department of Education.

The federally funded High School Equivalency Program, or HEP, is designed to help students age 16 or older who are members of migratory and seasonal farmworker families earn the equivalent of a high school diploma.

“This is proof without question of sustained excellence,” NNMC President Rick Bailey said in a news release. “To reach the pinnacle of national success for the second year in a row validates the caliber of our HEP program, the commitment of our educators, and the quality of Northern New Mexico’s students.”

“We owe our success to our extremely hardworking students, our dedicated and compassionate staff who provide a home for students, and to the support we receive from the college,” said Shari Jobe, director of Northern’s HEP.

NNMC scored an overall performance rating of 94.5 percent. That rating is derived from a formula based on graduations rates, as well as the percentage of students

who went on to further their education or secured other jobs. The college, with facilities in Española and El Rito, graduated 92 percent of HEP students, compared to 65 percent nationally. Ninety-seven percent of graduates of NNMC’s HEP either continued their education, upgraded their employment status or joined the military.

NNMC’s HEP serves about 80 students per year. They attend a five-week course where they study math, reading, writing, social studies and science, then take an exam. They also take part in a twoweek college and career transition course.