Migrant and seasonal farmworkers are the most educationally disadvantaged group in society, with over 70% high school dropouts and 15% functionally illiterate. Mobility, language barriers, and cultural differences combined with health and nutrition problems have a negative effect on school achievement. The constant interruption of the educational process leads to confusion, frustration, and a feeling of alienation. This alienation becomes the major factor contributing to dropping out among migrant and seasonal farmworker students. The High School Equivalency Program (HEP), established in 1967, offers more supportive components than traditional General Education Development (GED) programs. The Office of Migrant Education was established in 1980 and presently directs the 22 HEP programs functioning in the continental United States and Puerto Rico. The HEP projects have become a unique blend of education, social, personal, civic, career, and cultural experiences. The institutions of higher education and the non-profit organizations granted funds to run HEP projects are encouraged to design programs based on the needs of local migrant and seasonal farmworkers and the institution's unique areas of strength. An average of 3,000 students are served annually, but this is a minimal figure compared to the number of dropouts. All HEP projects provide instructional support services geared toward helping students pass the GED test and motivating students to pursue postsecondary education or training. The projects have these major components: (1) an active recruitment program; (2) tutoring; (3) counseling; and (4) access to culturally enriching opportunities. (ALL)