For many people, earning a high school diploma is perfunctory. You go to classes, take part in activities, do homework, attend events, etc. What else would you do at that age? Some people have the resources and support to complete high school as teens.
Most people are unaware that roughly ten percent of the U.S. population doesn’t achieve this critical milestone, though. At least not during their teenage years.
High school non-graduates struggle financially. Many have inferior health compared to graduates. Fortunately, various organizations are working to change this situation by providing ways to attend high school for adults.
How to Get a GED
GED stands for General Educational Development. It’s a test to determine whether someone has academic skills that are high school equivalents.
GED Testing Service provides comprehensive instructions on how to prepare, register for, and take the test. Some take the GED to bypass their last high school year, but most take it to substitute for a diploma when applying for jobs, etc.
Yet, as one expert reminds us, the GED isn’t for everyone. “Even though earning a GED is quite an accomplishment, employers and colleges look more favorably on a high school diploma.”
How to Get a High School Diploma as an Adult
Indeed, for many, investing the time and effort to earn a high school diploma is essential. It leads to a recognition they will cherish—whether they need it for a job, attending college, or proudly hanging on the wall.
Going back to school as an adult is easier today than ever before. Here’s why.
Online High School for Adults
Most adults would feel uncomfortable walking into a high school classroom and joining a roomful of teenagers. But today, students of various ages enjoy online high schools. Doing this might supplement other classes, or it might be to meet all their requirements.
Many states and school districts subsidize these programs as viable alternatives to traditional high schools. So it’s often an affordable alternative to the GED. Online learning probably would be a comfortable environment for adult students.
Community Colleges and Universities
Many U.S. community colleges and universities offer programs that are high school equivalents. Many awards various forms of credit for prior learning and life experience too. Anyone considering adult high school as a path to college should look into this possibility.
Higher education institutions like to see someone going back to school as an adult. Since that person might be a future college degree seeker, they want to give students like this the preparation to succeed.
Excel Centers
Goodwill Industries’ Excel Centers started in Indiana in 2010 to help students succeed through:
- High school diplomas
- Free certifications for high-demand careers
- College readiness
- Resume preparation
- College admission guidance
- Financial aid counseling
Today, you can find an Excel Center in Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Tennessee, Indiana, and the District of Columbia.
The Graduation Alliance
Are you’re still looking for more options for earning a high school diploma? Consider the Graduation Alliance. This organization works with students of all ages through:
- School and district partnerships
- Community colleges
- Workforce development agencies
- Employers
- And others
Their mission is to provide alternative pathways to those who would benefit.
Check Out Your Options!
Earning a high school diploma is an outstanding achievement at any life stage. However, the longer you go without one, the more compelled you feel about pursuing it.
Thankfully, there are programs to support this endeavor, even for busy adults.
If this article interested you and you have a fascination with educational issues generally, we encourage you to visit our website regularly—if you don’t already.
