Transportation and child care are provided and the program is free. HLP director Nanette Schackelford said statistics show that when the whole family is involved in learning together, they're more likely to stick with it. Because Hispanic women with small children often are isolated, Even Start spearheaded a Hispanic Moms group to provide the women with entertainment, field trips, crafts and medical advice. HLP also offers a Spanish General Equivalency Development certificate program in which both the GED study materials and test are in Spanish. The classes are ongoing.
Candidates review possible test questions and participate in mock interviews.
Hundreds of Hispanic people in Hastings and throughout the area have become U.S. citizens through the help of Catholic Social Services. The agency offers guidance on how to go about the naturalization process and often brings Immigration and Naturalization Service officials to Hastings for convenience to potential citizens. The program began with four students and a para-educator. This year 214 students are enrolled and more are expected. Para-professionals are used as needed.