Degrees for a Brighter Future
In 2025, Angel Carrillo earned his high school equivalency credential through the BUENO High School Equivalency Program (BUENO HEP), a no-cost educational program that provides Colorado migrant and seasonal farm workers an opportunity to earn their GED diploma through local community colleges or online. He then joined the welding program at Aims Community College in Fort Lupton, Colorado.
“I genuinely believed my adventure was over when I left high school without a diploma,” Carrillo said. “I am now a proud college student actively pursuing my dream of becoming a welder because of the support I continue to receive from BUENO HEP staff.”
Carrillo is one of more than 13,500 students to have graduated from BUENO HEP, which is run out of the BUENO Center for Multicultural Education in CU Boulder’s School of Education. The 43-year-old program is funded by the U.S. Department of Education.
“Programs like these make it possible for students to have a brighter future and help break the cycle of poverty in their lives,” said Ernesto Sánchez (MEdu’15), director of the program.
Many program graduates improve their job positions in their current industries, such as manufacturing or retail. Others continue pursuing their education.
An early graduate of the program, Magdalena DelVillar (MEdu’94), went on to earn her bachelor’s degree, two master’s degrees and an administrator’s license. She taught in the public school system for several years and served as an assistant principal before retiring to volunteer in an elementary school.
“Each phase of my educational journey provided me success and confidence that I use to serve my community and my church,” said DelVillar. “Life is a blessing.”
Photo provided by Raven Maps & Images
Official BUENO HEP sites. Students from across the state also may pursue online program opportunities.