GED/HSED certificate programs
Local governments can invest in this strategy using State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
- This strategy can help address educational disparities, assist unemployed workers, and prevent violence. The U.S. Department of Treasury has indicated that strategies that help achieve these outcomes are eligible for the use of Fiscal Recovery Funds.
- Investments in this strategy are SLFRF-eligible as long as they are made in qualified census tracts or are designed to assist populations or communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.
Program overview
Creating an alternative educational pathway: High school equivalency (HSE) credentials are accepted alternatives to a high school diploma. Individuals who earn an HSE credential may use it to demonstrate knowledge equivalent to a high school education on applications for employment or postsecondary education. Earning an HSE credential is associated with increased earnings and reduced recidivism.
Meeting state-level requirements: Each state sets its own requirements for earning an HSE credential. Typically, individuals are required to take an approved HSE examination, such as the General Education Development (GED) or High School Equivalency Test (HiSET). These examinations cover high school-level content in science, mathematics, social studies, reading, and writing.
Preparing individuals for HSE examinations: HSE credential programs provide coursework aimed at preparing individuals for an approved HSE examination in their state. Instruction may be delivered through in-person or either synchronous or asynchronous online coursework. HSE credential programs are often run by school districts, community colleges, or social service agencies. Programs may offer general programming or target their offerings toward meeting the needs of specific populations, like working adults or foster youth.
Providing additional support services: Some HSE credential programs provide additional support services to increase the likelihood that participants complete the program. These services may include childcare, transportation subsidies, individualized tutoring, career counseling, and more.
- Strategies
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School attendance and persistence
- Cost per Participant
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Not available
Multiple studies with both rigorous and less-rigorous designs provide some evidence for HSE credential programs as an effective strategy for increasing earnings and reducing recidivism.
- This assessment is based on evidence from a 2022 research synthesis.
Make finding and enrolling in the program easy: HSE credential programs should share information about their enrollment process with other community-based organizations. By leveraging referrals from partner agencies, HSE credential programs can reach a larger number of potential participants. Providing flexible enrollment options can also increase participation. For example, offering rolling admissions and allowing new students to begin coursework quickly (e.g., every week) can lower barriers to participation.
Offer modular coursework: For some students, life circumstances may require them to temporarily suspend participation in an HSE credential program. When programs offer modular coursework, where students can complete and receive credit for discrete segments of the program, it can lower barriers to returning to and completing the program.
Provide additional support services: Many students in HSE certification programs face barriers to completing the program. By identifying the largest and most common barriers that their students face, programs can assess which support services will have the greatest impact on program completion rates. Common support services provided by HSE certification programs or through partnerships with community-based organizations include childcare, transportation, and case management services.
Create connections to higher education and vocational training programs: Accessing higher education or vocational training programs can provide individuals with the opportunity to increase their earnings potential beyond that from earning a HSE credential alone. By incorporating career advising into their program offerings, HSE credential programs can help students better identify and secure admittance to post-secondary educational and workforce programs.