Everyone’s educational path looks different. Your journey to happiness and career fulfillment may arrive later than expected. By choosing the right adult learning program, you or your loved one can succeed at any stage of life.
Where to begin? We created a list of steps so you can help a family member choose the right educational path for their future.
- Understand Their Goals
- Research Programs in Your Area
- Review Student Support and Benefits
- View Program Timelines and Certification Specifics
- Discover the Next Chapter in Your Life at The Excel Center
Understand Their Goals
Everyone has their own reasons for pursuing adult education. From increasing job options to preparing for a college degree, a high school diploma unlocks doors to new opportunities.
First, listen to your family member before offering guidance. Are they considering enrolling? Take the time to understand their goals and what career success looks like to them. Once you know their goals, you can take a more active role. Guide them toward an institution that fits their aspirations.
Research Programs in Your Area
Now that you know your family member’s goals, it’s time to research. What educational program will fit their needs? Online, vocational, technical, or adult learning centers? Different options provide students with advantages and opportunities. Finding the right program for your family member is critical for their success.
One major barrier preventing individuals from enrolling in adult education programs is cost. The Excel Center removes this barrier. Students can enroll at The Excel Center to earn their high school diploma for free. Childcare is another obstacle adult learners face. We offer free drop-in childcare at The Excel Center, so our students can focus on learning while knowing their loved ones are in good hands.
We also know our students need a flexible program. Managing work, life, and education is hard. Sacrificing personal and family responsibilities is nonnegotiable. The Excel Center provides support tailored to each student’s needs. Does your family member prioritize flexibility? If so, we encourage you to read more about our program benefits. This brings us to the next step. Once you’ve found a program, review its benefits and how it supports students.
Review Student Support and Benefits
Your search should consider how long your family member has been out of school. If they’re returning to school after many years, they may need extra guidance. A program that offers coaching, counseling, or mentoring could make all the difference.
The Excel Center offers exactly that. We assign a Life Coach to each student to help them get one-on-one support during and after school. Life Coaches help address concerns around student academics, childcare, and health. They are mentors and daily cheerleaders for the students. The Excel Center also provides college counseling services for students pursuing higher education.
Have you found a program with accommodating benefits and student support? Your next step is to look at the program timeline and curriculum.
View Program Timelines and Certification Specifics
Before starting a program, you need to identify an end goal. Where does your family member want to be after graduation? What do they want to be doing? Knowing this will help them learn how a high school diploma could change their future.
Adult education programs today help students earn GEDs. Many employers expect candidates to have a GED, but they prefer a high school diploma. Also, individuals with high school diplomas earn more than GED holders. The difference is worth noting:
Did you know having a high school diploma can make you an average of $8,400 more per year than a GED certificate? (Source: US Census Bureau)
The Excel Center allows adults ages 18 and up to earn a high school diploma, all at no cost. Our staff also helps students earn industry-recognized credentials and build their careers. From beginning to graduation, The Excel Center helps students reach their goals.
Your family member deserves to enroll in a program that serves them best. The Excel Center offers flexible scheduling, accelerated courses, career pathways, and more. To learn more, start here.
Discover the Next Chapter in Your Life at The Excel Center
Are you or your family member ready to discover what’s next? Looking to complete your education? Begin your career? The Excel Center is here to help you get started.
We help students excel in learning and life, no matter where they are in life. Speak with one of our team members or enroll online today.