Who We Are
About Us
Since 1999, HEFA has passionately reshaped education for ambitious students. By facilitating dual enrollment opportunities, over 1,000 students have embarked on a transformative academic journey, engaging in college-level coursework while still in high school. This unique approach sets the stage for higher education success.
In order to better assist our students HEFA was created to ensure that low-income families in the San Joaquin and Salinas Valley have easy access to dual enrollment and adult education programs.
We believe in equitable access to quality education programs for all students and families and understand that equitable access means easy access to resources. We make choosing an educational pathway simple, transparent, and fair for all rural Central Valley families
Our Success
Through our tracking, 87% of those students who participated in dual enrollment had higher retention rates, completion rates for a four-year or six-year degree, and a shorter completion time for their bachelor’s degree.
Dual enrollment students have higher grade point averages than non-dual enrollment students and we have also witnessed several parents of these students return or complete their college education
Board of Directors
The board of directors of Higher Education for All (HEFA) is responsible for the overall governance of the organization. The board is composed of experienced and dedicated individuals who are passionate about education and committed to providing high-quality educational opportunities to all students. Many of which are forme dual enrollment students.
Founders
Espi Sandoval
Espi Sandoval was born in Zacatecas, Mexico but immigrated to California at the age of seven years old. Espi was raised in Tranquillity, California, where he attended Tranquillity Elementary and Tranquillity High School. At Tranquillity High, he started taking college-level courses in the 10 th grade, which helped him tremendously in his future endeavors. Espi then went on to attend College of the Sequoias and Fresno State University, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in History. He later received a Masters’s degree in International Relations. In the early 1990’s Espi returned to his alma mater, Tranquillity High School where he worked with first-generation students throughout his career. Espi was an educator for 30 years at Tranquillity High School, he taught history, ELD, and Spanish. Aside from teaching Espi also served as Tranquillity High principal and was the school’s cross-country coach. He won many league championships and valley championships with his cross-country team. Espi also served on Kerman City Council from 2016-2020. In 2000, he began the dual enrollment program at Tranquillity High School. The dual enrollment allowed first-generation students to get a head start in their college careers. Many Tranquillity High alumni began to attend college and receive their undergraduate degrees at a faster pace. The dual enrollment program opened many opportunities for many first-generation college students. In 1987 he married his high school sweetheart Francisca. They have three grown children: Alan, Marco, and Rosio. A daughter-in-law Aundrea and a granddaughter Addison. Espi enjoys traveling with his family and spending quality time with his granddaughter.
Juan Rubio
Juan Rubio is the proud son of Mexican immigrant parents and has dedicated his career to education. As an educator, he brings over 27 years of experience in teaching, categorical programs, dual enrollment, and guided pathways. Since arriving in the United States in 1979, Juan has worked for multiple high schools and community colleges in California. Originally from Mexico, he earned a B.S. and a M.A. from CSU Fresno. Juan lives in Fresno with his spouse and two daughters. As a proud Mexican immigrant, he is passionate about working hard to help Latinos to build a better future for them and their families.