Adults Without a High School Diploma Can Now Enroll in High School Courses and Combine them with College Credentials to earn a High School Equivalency (HSE) Credential
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL—Smart Horizons Career Online Education (SHCOE) has been selected as the provider of high school courses required for the Technical College System of Georgia’s (TCSG) Career Plus HSE (CPH) credential—a dual enrollment program where students will receive both a college-level credential while simultaneously earning an HSE credential. The CPH model was designed to support workforce development and encourages adults to pursue training in high-demand fields identified in their local areas.
“Georgia has long been recognized as leader in Adult Education and I’m encouraged that we are providing innovative and flexible opportunities that will increase the number of Georgians with a high school equivalency credential,” said Assistant Commissioner of Adult Education, Dr. Cayanna Good. “We understand that busy, hardworking adults require flexibility in the pursuit of their educational goals. I’m hopeful that, through the Career Plus HSE option, we will meet the needs of our students and the workforce needs of our state.”
CPH requires nine high school or equivalent credits in specific subject areas (two English, two math, two social studies, two science, and one health/physical education credit) combined with either two Technical Certificates of Credit, or a technical college diploma or degree. CPH students who are short of the nine required high school or equivalent credits will complete their outstanding credits online with SHCOE. SHCOE is designed to provide students with the flexibility to fill gaps from previous high school or adult education classes.
“This cutting-edge program enables adults to start their technical education by eliminating the barrier of not having a high school diploma,” said SHCOE District Superintendent, Dr. Howard Liebman. “By allowing concurrent enrollment, they can expedite the path to graduation and job opportunities, earning two credentials at the same time.”
Career Plus HSE will be piloted at five locations in Georgia: Albany Technical College, Athens Technical College, Columbus Technical College, Central Georgia Technical College, and Savannah Technical College. Students can complete SHCOE courses or use GED credits to ultimately earn a State of Georgia high school equivalency credential. For more information, visit TCSG’s website.
About TCSG
The 22 colleges of the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) are Georgia’s top resource for skilled workers. TCSG offers world-class training in 600 associate degree, diploma and certificate programs to students who are trained on state-of-the-art equipment by instructors who are experts in their fields. The system also houses Georgia’s Office of Adult Education, which promotes and provides adult literacy and education programs, including the GED testing program, throughout the state. In addition, TCSG partners with companies through Quick Start, the nation’s top customized workforce training program, and through its individual colleges, who work with local industry to provide workforce and training solutions. For more information, visit TCSG.edu.
About Smart Horizons Career Online Education
Founded in 2009, Smart Horizons Career Online Education (SHCOE) is the world’s first private accredited online school district. SHCOE offers 100% online high school diploma programs designed to re-engage adults and older youth back into the educational system and prepare them for the workplace or postsecondary education. The high school program includes a vocational certificate in career pathways such as Home Care Professional, Child Care, Office Management, Certified Protection Officer, Food and Hospitality, Homeland Security, Commercial Driving, Retail Customer Service, Hospitality and Leisure, and General Career Preparation. For more information, visit shcoe.org.