Increase your earnings, complete your high school diploma in 12 months or less at RCC
Regardless of the reasons that people chose to drop out of high school, the facts are clear. Earning a high school diploma makes a difference, not only for your earnings, but for your quality of life.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, lifetime earnings of high school dropouts are $260,000 less than peers who earn a diploma. Dropouts on average make $20,241 annually, $10,000 less than high school graduates, and over $36,000 less than those who obtain a bachelor’s degree.
For many in our area, the lack of a high school diploma is the one thing that stands in their way of a higher paying job, even though Robeson Community College offers an Adult High School program that can be completed in as little as 12 months.
And, for some the wait to earn a diploma may be even less, depending on credits they have previously earned.
“There are four subjects that students must pass,” says Terry Jackson, transition coordinator in the career and college readiness program at RCC. “There could be just one test that is keeping you from getting your high school equivalency diploma. Please call us to find out and let’s see if we can help you.”
Jackson says one of his proudest moments during his tenure at RCC has been seeing the inmates at the Robeson County Jail receive diplomas this past December.
“The guys in the jailhouse completed their high school equivalency diploma within 4 months,” Jackson said. “They didn’t have resources like computers and they couldn’t take books back to their cells. Five out of the six students in the class graduated.”
Participation in the Adult High School program at RCC, not only grants students an opportunity to earn a high school diploma, but they will also become eligible to receive the nationally recognized Career Readiness Certificate.
“Earning a high school diploma can be the start of furthering one’s education at a community college and beyond,” said James Erick Mitchell, educational coordinator for the CCR program at RCC. “We have seen students who completed their GED, become registered nurses through the associate degree nursing program, and then go on to get their bachelor’s and master’s degrees.”
Why does a high school diploma matter? Consider this:
- High school graduates are more likely to be employed, more likely to make a higher taxable income, and more likely to aid in job generation.
- High school graduates have a longer life expectancy.
- It has been shown that high school graduates are less likely to engage in criminal behavior and less likely to require social services in the future.
- High School graduates are more likely to be involved in their communities and are more likely to vote in elections.
- The economy depends on skilled labor. A high school diploma shows that a graduate is educated with skills needed for the workforce.
New Student Orientation is held each month for individuals interested in obtaining their high school credentials. The next orientation will be held January 25, 26, and 27 at three locations in Robeson County. Students must attend each of the three days in order to be admitted to classes that begin February 1.
Orientation will be held at the following locations in Robeson County.
- RCC ComTech campus in Pembroke from 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
- American Legion Building in Red Springs from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- RCC Main Campus in Lumberton from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (choose only one session)
If attending one of the orientation sessions, you are asked to please bring a photo ID. Participants must be at least 18. If you are 16 or 17 years of age, please contact the staff at 910-272-3607 or 910-272-3619.
For more information on the Adult High School program, please visit RCC’s website at https://www.robeson.edu/ccr/ or contact Terry Jackson at 910-272-3611, tjackson@robeson.edu or James Erick Mitchell at 910-272-3608, jmitchell@robeson.edu.
