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Most individuals think formal education is important to individual and societal growth. However, many high school students still “drop out.” High school dropouts come from all around the world, not just a particular country or location. Among the populations that have seen the highest dropout rates among 16—to 24-year-olds over the years are Asian, White, Black, Hispanic, and American Indian. There are a number of reasons why students discontinue their studies in the middle.
Have you also dropped out of high school for some reason and are wondering what happens to high school dropouts? In this blog post by All Assignment Help, we will discuss everything about high school dropout students and how they can survive. So, without further ado, let us tell you about the ideal options and high school dropout programs.
Important High School Dropout Facts
Approximately one-third of public high school students drop out each year. The high school dropout problem is an important issue in the United States because it has significant social and economic repercussions and impacts both people and the nation. Let’s look at the insights about who drops out of high school:
- Those who drop out of high school are more likely to be jobless, make less money, use more public assistance, be single parents, or have kids early in life.
- 7,000 American high school students drop out every day and never come back. About 3.8 million people aged 16 to 24 were not enrolled in high school and had not obtained a high school diploma or other certificate.
- According to estimates, one high school student leaves school every nine seconds, assuming there are 180 school days with seven hours of education.
- Compared to general education students, students with emotional/behavioral problems drop out around a double rate.
- Research shows that students who struggle the most with reading are at the highest risk of dropping out of high school.
- The likelihood of dropping out is 20 times higher for students in the lowest performance category and 3.5 times higher for those who score marginally better.
Low income is also another reason why students drop out of school. Nearly 11% of students drop out every year because of low income. Due to low income, many students are also unable to get the assistance they need during their academics. However, there are affordable assignment help services available online that can assist them in meeting their academic demands without hitting hard on their budget.
Read Here: Benefits and Detriments of Year-Round Schooling
Education Options for High School Dropouts
Are you also a high school dropout looking for an opportunity to start something new? There is no way to get back on track. However, it’s not true! It doesn’t matter if you dropped out a long time ago; it’s never too late to look for other successful options. We will give you a glimpse of the better high school dropout programs that you can follow after being a dropout.
High School Equivalency Diplomas
These are the most common alternatives to a high school diploma.
GED (General Educational Development)
The GED is a test that certifies high school-level academic skills for individuals who did not graduate from high school. It is a test that is used in North America and Canada to verify that a person has academic knowledge equivalent to that of a high school graduate. The five subjects that are assessed on a GED are writing, math, science, reading, and social studies. Most students lack in the math section while taking the test. However, they can take online math assignment help from experts to better prepare themselves and score better on the test.
What Does the GED Include?
- The GED subtests are 7 hours in total.
- Specifically, it covers four primary high school subjects.
- Each subject requires a score of 145 to pass.
- Scores of 165–174 indicate college readiness.
- If you want to learn about different testing procedures, you can check with your area GED testing center.
- The test cost is $30–$40. However, some countries offer it for free.
HiSET (High School Equivalency Test)
Those 16 years of age and older who did not complete high school can take the high school equivalency test. It is a standard test used to assess the skills and expertise of individuals who did not complete high school. It was made by the largest educational assessment system developer in America, the non-profit Educational Testing Services (ETS), on September 27, 2024. It’s an alternative to the GED and TASC exams and is recognized in several U.S. states.
What Does HiSET Include?
- Language Arts – Reading: Tests ability to understand, interpret, and analyze both literary and informational texts.
- Language Arts – Writing: Focuses on writing an orderly essay using a question, grammar, and sentence structure.
- Mathematics: Covers data analysis, geometry, algebra, calculation, and fundamental problem-solving skills.
- Science: Tests understanding of earth and space science, physical science, biological science, and the ability to analyze scientific data.
- Social Studies: Covers geography, economics, civics, global history, and American history with a focus on understanding and interpreting historical records and graphs.
Vocational Training and Programs
Vocational courses are an educational discipline that helps the individual acquire skills that are necessary for a specific trade. These courses are not academic and are completely related to a specific trade, occupation, or vocation. High school passouts can opt for short- and long-term courses. These courses can include a diploma or degree. There are various courses available that you can choose from. These courses often include healthcare. The creative fields of these courses include graphic and web design. Additionally, it includes food technology and cosmetology.
These are some of the well-paying, easily accessible, and in-demand vocational career paths:
| Field | Job Roles |
| Healthcare | Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Medical Assistant, Dental Assistant, Phlebotomist |
| Skilled Trades | Electrician, Plumber, HVAC Technician, Welder, Mechanic |
| Technology | IT Support Specialist, Cybersecurity Tech, Web Developer, Computer Technician |
| Creative Fields | Graphic Designer, Videographer, Photographer, Cosmetologist |
| Hospitality & Culinary | Chef, Hotel Management, Bartending, Event Coordinator |
Whether you take vocational courses in healthcare, technology, or any other field, you will need help from subject professionals while writing your assignments. For example, if you have enrolled in a nursing diploma course and you get stuck while writing an assignment on a given topic. In such a case, you can browse online for nursing assignment help services and hire an expert to make the assignment writing process easier for you. Also, it will help you complete the assignment on time.
Bridge Programs
Bridge programs combine college preparation, career training, and foundational education. They are perfect for individuals who:
- Did not complete high school
- Own a GED but are unprepared for a job at the college level
- Need to build confidence and academic foundation before pursuing further education or a job
Types of Bridge Programs:
- College Bridge Programs: It helps individuals who do not have a standard diploma to enroll in community college.
- Workforce Bridge Programs: It focuses on placement and job preparedness in industries including healthcare, hospitality, and construction.
- Adult Education Bridge Programs: It combines fundamental skills, job guidance, and GED preparation.
Bridge programs are free or inexpensive (usually supported by organizations or the government). It also allowed you to get an easy transfer to technical training or college.
Online Courses and Certifications
A high school dropout is not equivalent to a life loss. Many online platforms in the modern digital age provide flexible, reasonably priced, and career-ready courses that don’t require a degree. Below listed are some online learning programs for high school dropouts:
Google Career Certificates
Google offers career certifications through Coursera that teach you in-demand skills like digital marketing, data analytics, and IT support without requiring a degree or prior experience. Employers value these certifications. Furthermore, they can help you get an internship or entry-level position as well. However, you need to match the course requirements and grade standards to get the certification. In case you find yourself struggling with your coursework, you can hire an online class helper from a reliable website by asking, please do my online course for me. This will allow you to complete the coursework without any complexities or problems.
Learn to Code with freeCodeCamp
One of the most valuable skills to learn is coding, which is why the IT sector is still growing. If you are prepared to invest the time, freeCodeCamp provides detailed instruction in Python, JavaScript, web development, and other topics, along with interactive coding challenges and real-world projects. With freeCodeCamp, you can go from beginner to full-stack developer without spending a dime. Moreover, this might open up a range of potential career paths, including positions at prestigious IT corporations and freelancing.
Master Creative Skills on Canva Design School
Canva Design School provides free courses on anything from social media marketing to fundamental graphic design for those who are more interested in the creative arts. This is an excellent starting point for graphic design, particularly if you want to pursue a freelance career in branding or content production. Social media management and design are expanding industries with countless prospects for freelance professionals and business owners. Whether you are starting a business, working in marketing, or simply assisting firms with visual material, having the skill to produce designs that appear professional can give you a competitive edge.
There are more such online learning programs available for high school dropouts. However, these are most often taken by students. You can also enroll in any of the online courses you find interesting. However, some programs require an online exam to assess your knowledge. If you are not confident or want top grades, you can consider hiring an expert from an online exam help website. Just visit a site and ask, can someone take my online exam for me? That’s All! You will get an immediate response to your query and someone expert in your course will take the exam on your behalf.
National Guard Youth Challenge
Do you know that the role of family support in reducing high school dropout rates is immeasurable? If you are a family member and have been seeing someone who has dropped out their school in the middle, you should guide them. National Guard Youth Challenge is one of the best programs available for high school dropouts, which you can recommend. It is one of the dropout prevention strategies founded in 1993 by the National Guard. We have included further information about this program below.
- It is a seven-month program that is available for students between the ages of 16 to 18.
- Everyone (unemployed or underemployed, drug-free, and crime-free) can take this course and start their learning career.
- The main motive of this program is to make productive citizens of America’s future.
- This program is divided into two phases: the residential phase and the mentoring phase. The first one is five months, and the next one is twelve months.
- Within this program, you can learn many things and earn your high school diploma. Moreover, you will also get the chance to build up your self-confidence and self-esteem.
- It is one of the best opportunities for high school dropouts to change their future and obtain their high school diploma or equivalent.
Also Read: How to Continue Studying After School? Effective Learning Strategies
High School Dropouts Who Became Successful Entrepreneurs
There are many causes of high school dropout. Some of them are mental illness, pregnancy, family problems, drug addiction, and sickness. But despite all the odds, there are a few high school dropouts who become successful in their lives. Below is a list of some of the well-known high school dropouts:
- David Karp, the multimillionaire founder of Tumblr
- Music stars such as 50 Cent, Jay-Z, and Billy Joel
- Drew Barrymore has high-profile acting roles and is a highly successful businesswoman.
- George Foreman, an Olympic gold medalist
- Uma Thurman is one of Hollywood’s leading female actresses.
- Hollywood actors like Robert De Niro, Uma Thurman, and Catherine Zeta-Jones
- Award-winning filmmakers such as Quentin Tarantino and Peter Jackson
- Katy Perry is a Christian gospel music singer.
Several other millionaires from the worlds of business, sports, and entertainment are yet to be added to the list.
Conclusion
While having a high school diploma can make certain paths in life smoother, it’s not the only way to succeed. It merely requires your high school passing confirmation to do something in life, but your way may become more challenging if you don’t acquire it. However, there are many options that you can look into after being a high school dropout. Keep in mind that your dedication, willingness to learning, and consistency are more important than a piece of paper. You can still create a successful and happy future if you have the right mindset and resources.
FAQs
Why do high school students drop out?
Lack of interest, depression, mental health issues, difficulty keeping up with schoolwork, family pressure, and other responsibilities are a few of the major reasons why students leave their education midway.
Who drops out of school, most girls or boys?
As per a recent report, it has been found that boys are more likely to drop out of high school than girls. Financial constraints and complex gender issues are some of the reasons why they quit their studies.
Which is the best course for dropout students?
Dropouts can also choose apprenticeships and vocational training programs that provide practical learning experiences in different fields, including healthcare, plumbing, carpentry, and culinary arts.
Which course has the highest percentage of dropouts?
First-year college students drop out at an average rate of 19.0%. The highest dropout rate is 10.7% for computer science majors and 7.7% for advertising majors.