Missouri program launched to help adults earn a high school diploma

The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education launched a new program aimed at helping adults earn a high school diploma.

The new program is the Missouri Workforce Diploma Program. It is entirely online and available at no cost, according to a release.

The diploma provider for the program is Graduation Alliance.

The Missouri General Assembly passed SB718 and made the program possible, according to a release. SB718 was signed by Gov. Mike Parson on June 16, 2022, and became effective on Aug. 28.

According to SB718, the Missouri Workforce Diploma Program will sunset on Aug. 28, 2028. The General Assembly can reauthorize the program by that date to continue it.

SB718 states "no approved program provider shall charge student fees of any kind, including textbook fees, tuition fees, lab fees, or participation fees, unless the student chooses to obtain additional education offered by the provider that is not included in the program."

Missouri Workforce Diploma Program will be available for adults 21 and older, according to a release. Coursework will be completed online, "when and where it works best for them." Teachers, 24/7 tutors and a personal academic coach will assist students and monitor their progress through the program.

Graduation Alliance is accredited by Cognia, a non-profit organization that provides accreditation to schools.

Upon completion of the program, graduates will receive an accredited high school diploma and not a GED, according to the program's website.

Students with the program will also be able to earn additional career certifications, according to a release. Some of the available career certifications listed online include OSHA 10, ServSafe Food Manager, Microsoft Office Specialist and CompTIA IT Fundamentals.

"A high school diploma is a terrific milestone, but not the final destination," Graduation Alliance CEO Ron Klausner said in a release.

Klausner also said in a release that 76 percent of the program's graduates "have access to new or better jobs or promotions." This data comes from surveys sent to students six-to-nine months after completing the program.

To qualify for the Missouri Workforce Diploma Program, applicants must be 21 or older, be a resident of Missouri, have computer and internet access and have not completed a GED or other high school equivalency program.

To learn more information and sign up for the program, visit missouridiploma.com.