Access to Aid Episode 6: Back to School
- McKenzie Connelly
- Jun 21, 2024
- 3 min read
There are many options for you to improve your education and get the degree you've been dreaming of! Going back to school can be daunting for many, but there are numerous affordable and flexible options for adult learners!
GED / High School Diploma
There are several options for earning your high school diploma or GED as an adult learner!
Requirements
You can take the GED exam if you meet the following requirements:
Must be at least 18 years of age or older
Must be a resident of the state of Texas
Must have withdrawn from a regular high school program for at least 6 months
Must not be a high school graduate
Note: Exceptions may apply to age restrictions. Visit the Texas Education Agency website to learn about these exceptions as well as other helpful information in obtaining a GED.
Testing Centers & Test Preparation Assistance
Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas offers assistance with getting your GED. They can help with tutoring, study skills, Texas Assessment of Academic Skills (TAAS) / Texas Academic Skills Program (TASP) / GED test preparation, enrollment and financial aid assistance, and mentoring.
If you are in the West Central Texas region, this is an incredible resource for figuring out your academic path, and career goals in the future!
2-1-1 Texas allows you to search for free and public resources in your area! Assistance may range from GED prep classes to financial assistance for applications and fees, and more!
One great option for the Lake Houston area is through HAAM, or the Humble Area Assistance Ministries! HAAM is equipped to assist clients through various education and mentoring programs, including certification courses, ESL classes, basic literacy, financial literacy, and life skills. Funding assistance is available for education-related needs. Money Management Class is also offered in Spanish via computer.
Some of the many services offered by HAAM include:
Options for assistance in the Grapevine-Colleyville area include the City of Saginaw Library Services and Grayson College's Adult Education program! Starting with 2-1-1 Texas allows you to explore your options and contact knowledgeable people who may assist you in finding what academic plans work best for you!
Getting Your College Degree
The National Center for Homeless Education (NCHE) is the primary resource for individuals experiencing homelessness who want to pursue higher education. The Center prepared a brief on increasing access to Higher Education for Unaccompanied Homeless Youth: Information for Colleges and Universities.
Aside from just unaccompanied youth, the National Center for Homeless Education provides resources for any person who fits the statutory definition of homelessness. If you qualify or think you might, they are an excellent starting point on your college journey!
In the brief, NCHE provides the following resources:
Student Support Services
Student Support Services programs assist low-income students with staying in college until they
earn their degrees. The Student Support Services program was amended by the Higher Education Opportunity Act to foster an institutional climate supportive of success in postsecondary education for homeless children and youth and students who are in foster care or aging out of foster care. Through a grant competition, the U.S. Department of Education awards funds to institutions of higher education to provide opportunities for academic development, assist students with basic college requirements, and motivate students toward the successful completion of their postsecondary education. In addition, the Student Support Services program authorizes funds to be used for temporary housing during breaks in the academic year for homeless students and students who are in foster care or are aging out of the foster care system.
For more information, visit http://www2.ed.gov/programs/triostudsupp/index.html.
Educational Opportunity Centers
The Educational Opportunity Centers (EOC) program is one of the federal TRIO programs, a
group of eight outreach programs funded by the U.S. Department of Education designed to
support and assist students from disadvantaged backgrounds in progressing through the
academic pipeline from middle school to attainment of a post-baccalaureate degree.
Educational Opportunity Centers located throughout the country primarily serve displaced
or underemployed workers from families with incomes under $33,075. These centers help
people to choose a college and access needed financial aid. For more information, visit http://www2.ed.gov/programs/trioeoc/index.html.
Additional Resources
National Center for Homeless Education (NCHE)
Ph: (800) 308-2145
National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth (NAEHCY)
Barbara Duffield, Policy Director
Ph: (202) 364.7392
College Goal Sunday
Marcia Weston, Director
Ph: (336) 617-0535
Note: This blog and podcast are not legal advice. If you have a legal question, please contact a local attorney or bar association for assistance.
Full podcast episode linked below!
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