Albany Technical College (ATC) in Albany, Georgia, is pioneering a transformative approach to adult education with its innovative Career Plus High School Equivalency (HSE) program. This groundbreaking initiative empowers individuals without a high school diploma to simultaneously earn their HSE credential and acquire valuable skills in one of 39 high-demand career fields. This dual-track approach not only accelerates their educational journey but also positions them for well-paying careers and a brighter future.
Dr. Anthony O. Parker, President of Albany Technical College, emphasizes the program’s commitment to adult learner success. “The Career Plus High School Equivalency program is designed with the understanding that adult learners have unique circumstances and responsibilities,” he stated. “We’ve structured this program to recognize prior learning, provide financial assistance for textbooks, and integrate career skills training directly into the HSE attainment process.”
Dr. Parker further elaborated on Albany Tech’s dedication to removing educational barriers. “Our faculty and staff are deeply committed to making high school completion and career entry accessible to everyone in our community. We see it as our responsibility to be the catalyst for positive change in our students’ lives, ultimately building a skilled and readily employable workforce for the region.”
The Career Plus Hse Program is currently a pilot project within the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG), showcasing its innovative potential at the state level. The program’s design allows students to leverage any previously earned high school credits or completed GED® exam sections, streamlining their path to an HSE credential. This flexible framework enables students to efficiently address any gaps in their prior education, potentially achieving their HSE faster than traditional routes.
39 Career Pathways: Your Future, Your Choice
Albany Technical College extends the Career Plus HSE concept through a unique “Joint Enrollment” pathway. This allows students who have not yet earned a GED® or high school diploma to begin taking college-level “Gateway” courses while actively pursuing their HSE. The Joint Enrollment program outlines a clear five-step process, guiding students from initial contact to class registration and ultimately towards a diploma or degree in their chosen field from a diverse selection of 39 programs.
- Reach out to Albany Tech Adult Education: Start your journey by connecting with dedicated advisors.
- Explore Program Options: Discover the 39 high-demand career programs available and find your passion.
- Apply to ATC Admissions: Formalize your enrollment at Albany Technical College.
- Complete Financial Aid Application: Unlock resources to make your education affordable.
- Register for Courses: Take the final step and enroll in classes, beginning your path to a brighter future.
“By combining HSE with Joint Enrollment, Albany Tech is empowering a greater number of qualified individuals to enter the southwest Georgia workforce, equipped with the in-demand skills that local businesses and industries are actively seeking,” Dr. Parker noted. “This creates a powerful win-win scenario, fostering economic growth within our community as more families achieve sustainable living wages, leading to increased stability and economic activity.”
Getting Started with Career Plus HSE: Your Pathway to Success
Prospective students enrolling in the Career Plus HSE pilot program may be eligible for financial aid through Georgia’s HOPE Grant and Career Grant programs, provided they meet the Georgia Student Finance Commission (GSFC) criteria. While these grants can significantly reduce costs, they might not cover all expenses. To unlock access to additional federal financial aid, students need to successfully complete two designated gateway courses with a grade of “C” or higher. This requirement demonstrates their “ability to benefit” from the program and enables a seamless transition into the core curriculum of their chosen career path.
Textbook Affordability: The $25,000 Lending Library
Recognizing that textbook costs can be a significant barrier to education, the Albany Tech Foundation has invested $25,000 to establish a textbook and media lending library specifically for Career Plus HSE students. This invaluable resource provides eligible adult education students with free access to required course materials for the duration of their classes. Located within the Anthony O. Parker, Ph.D. Library/Media Center in the Logistics Education Center on campus, the lending library ensures that financial constraints do not hinder students’ access to essential learning resources.
Glenn A. Singfield, Sr., President of the Albany Tech Foundation Board of Trustees, highlighted the Foundation’s commitment to student success. “Albany Tech identified the critical need for a lending library to support adult education students, and the Foundation Trustees were unanimous in our support. By removing the financial burden of textbook costs, we are eliminating a significant obstacle to educational attainment.”
Statewide Expansion: TCSG’s Vision for Adult Education
Under the leadership of Governor Brian Kemp, TCSG Commissioner Greg Dozier introduced these innovative adult education initiatives, launching the Career Plus HSE pilot program across five technical colleges in January 2020. Historically, the GED® exam was the sole pathway to a high school equivalency credential in Georgia since 1946. However, recognizing evolving needs and best practices, Georgia joined numerous other states in 2014 by exploring alternative routes, including standardized tests and credit-based options. The launch of Career Plus HSE pilots at Albany Technical College, Athens Technical College, Central Georgia Technical College, Columbus Technical College, and Savannah Technical College in February marked a significant step forward in Georgia’s adult education landscape.
In addition to Career Plus HSE, TCSG’s Office of Adult Education introduced the HiSET® exam as a second standardized testing option for HSE attainment. The HiSET®, a nationally recognized assessment developed by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), aligns with College and Career Ready Standards for Adult Education and is already accepted in 23 states. Free exam preparation classes for both the GED® and HiSET® are available at TCSG adult education centers throughout Georgia.
“These advancements in adult education are centered on empowering adult learners to achieve their high school credential, opening doors to greater opportunities and career advancement,” Dr. Parker concluded. “Albany Tech is now better equipped than ever before to support our community in gaining both career training and high school credentials, paving the way for individual and collective prosperity.”
About Albany Technical College
Albany Technical College, a public postsecondary institution within the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG), provides comprehensive technical education and training tailored to the evolving workforce demands of Southwest Georgia. Offering both traditional and online learning environments, Albany Tech is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS/COC). For more information, please visit www.albanytech.edu and connect with us on social media: Facebook at www.facebook.com/AlbanyTech and Twitter at www.twitter.com/AlbanyTech. Explore our video content on YouTube at www.youtube.com/albanytech1.
About the Technical College System of Georgia
The 22 colleges comprising the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) are Georgia’s premier resource for developing skilled professionals. TCSG delivers world-class training across 600 associate degree, diploma, and certificate programs, utilizing cutting-edge equipment and expert instruction. TCSG also oversees Georgia’s Office of Adult Education, promoting adult literacy and education initiatives, including the GED testing program, statewide. Furthermore, TCSG collaborates with businesses through Quick Start, the nation’s leading customized workforce training program, and through individual college partnerships with local industries to provide tailored workforce and training solutions. Learn more at TCSG.edu.
