Just because your child dropped out of high school doesn't mean it's all over. In fact, 75% of high school dropouts eventually finish. Here are four ways your high school dropout can earn his diploma or a GED:
- Community College: Most community colleges offer programs to help students complete their high school diplomas and/or earn a GED. Some of these classes are offered on community college campuses, others at night on high school grounds. Call your local community college for details.
- Adult Education Programs: Most adult ed programs offer courses to help students prepare for the GED. Adult ed schools are typically run by high school districts, community colleges or a collaboration between the two, with funding provided by the state. Call your local adult education school for information.
- Gateway to College: Founded in 2000 by Oregon's Portland Community College, this program bridges the gap for students, ages 16-21, who have dropped out of high school but want to finish their coursework and go to college. Gateway's program, which combines high school and college coursework, is available on 27 community college campuses in 16 states, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is using it as a model for part of the foundation's Early College High School efforts. For details, visit the Gateway to College website.
- YouthBuild: This 20-year-old program for high school dropouts, ages 16-24, from low-income families, combines community service, vocational training and leadership skills with a GED program. Students, many of whom have been in the foster care or juvenile justice systems, divide their days between high school and GED prep classes and projects building or renovating homes for low-income families. What began in 1990 in New York City has grown to include 273 YouthBuild programs in 45 states. This, too, is supported by the Gates Foundation. For more information, visit the YouthBuild site.