High School Graduation and Equivalency Options
Educational Advocacy
CASAs and ERHs play a pivotal role in supporting youth on their path to graduation. Please be in conversation with the youth’s school counselor to assess whether they are on track to graduate, and advocate for changes, services, accomodations and resources to support their academic success.
If the youth you serve wants to graduate, but is not on track to do so in the traditional way, They have options!
dIPLOMA TRACK GRADUATION (AB167)
Foster youth who transfer school after their 2nd year of high school may be eligible to graduate upon completion of state requirements, which are generally fewer than local district requirements. CASAs and ERHs should be in conversation with the school counselor and youth to explore this option. See this AB167 Graduation Eligibility form and checklist to assess the youth’s progress towards graduation. AB167 cannot be used to support a youth in graduating school early. This bill was passed to support foster youth who may not be able to graduate on time.
HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA COMMUNITY COLLEGE PROGRAM
Many community colleges offer high school credit recovery options. San Francisco Foster Youth are eligible to take advantage of the SF Community College system or the community college in the county of their residence.
GENERAL EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT (GED) TEST
When a student passes their GED test, they receive a California high school equivalency certificate. Learn more about the process and requirements here.
The Independent Living Skills Program (ILSP) of the youth’s county should offer assistance with this process. In San Francisco, SF ILSP offers help in both informal (drop-in advice and guidance) and formal settings through their First Foundation program.
New Door Ventures is another organization that provides support to youth and young adults aged 17.5 to 24. They provide a $15 per hour stipend to youth who study at the center to pass the GED or HISET. The youth must commit to attending classes in-person for two days out of the week. Explore their webpage or reach out to your Case Supervisor for support.
Success Centers similarly offers free holistic GED & high school diploma support through their Early Morning Study Academy. When you research the options in your young person’s county, remember to look to the community colleges! For example, Modesto Junior College.
CALIFORNIA HIGH SCHOOL PROFICIENCY EXAMINATION
Each person who passes this exam is awarded a Certificate of Proficiency, which is equivalent to a California high school diploma. Find out more information about eligibility and deadlines.
HISET TEST
The HiSET is an exam similar to the GED. Learn more information here.
Credit Recovery
SFUSD High School Credit Recovery
Dual Enrollment at local Community Colleges
Online Credit Recovery Courses
SUPPORTIVE PROGRAMS
5 Keys: an adult education charter school that offers intensive case management and wraparound education support.
New Door Ventures: supports students to pass GED and HiSET and provides robust employment/career support.
SFILSP: provides workshops and case management for young adults in support of their diploma or GED.
Additional Support
Reach out to the School District Foster Youth Liaison with any questions or for support.
CONTINUING EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES
Scroll down to Education section, and select the CE: “Secondary Education Achievement (High School and Equivalency Tests).”