NAPSI
The United States’ national graduation rate rose to record highs in 2017.
The Problem
Nevertheless, there are still approximately 34 million American adults who do not have a high school diploma.
Why A Diploma Matters
On average, individuals with a high school degree can expect to earn 30 percent more than adults without a diploma over their lifetime, a difference of nearly $10,000 per year, according to U.S. Census data. For many individuals, completing their high school education as an adult is just the beginning of their road to a college degree or new career.
Where to Find Free Classes
Studying while balancing work and family may seem difficult, but help, advice and inspiration are close at hand. Each adult education center will work with new students to place them in the right classes and create a custom learning plan. Teachers and tutors in each program help students learn the material and support them as they earn their diploma.
If you or someone you know doesn’t have a high school diploma, visitwww.FinishYourDiploma.org to find a nearby center and get started with classes.
New PSAs feature personal stories from recent graduates who earned their high school diplomas in their 20s, 30s and 40s. The campaign also showcases teachers who are helping students on their journey to achieving a high school equivalency diploma. The PSAs underscore that adults without a high school diploma may have more support than they realize—from teachers, friends and family—as they work toward continuing their education.
Share Your Story
If you’ve graduated with a high school equivalency or are taking classes to get your diploma, give a shout-out to those people who helped you along the road to graduation—teachers, family and friends. Use the #FinishYourDiploma hashtag and tell about a time when someone helped you succeed with your education or when you helped someone else pursue their educational goals. It could be as simple as driving someone to school or classes, or preparing meals so someone could study. By using #FinishYourDiploma, you could also be featured on the website www.FinishYourDiploma.org.
Resources Available
Since its inception in 2010, nearly 5 million people have visited the FinishYourDiploma.org site and more than 1 million adults across all 50 states have received help finding free test-prep classes in their area.
The site has a database of thousands of adult education centers around the country—each offering free classes to help people study for their GED, TASC or HiSET. The website also provides graduate stories, tips, information about what to expect from the tests, and a step-by-step guide to finishing your diploma.
