GED Paves the Way for Arizona’s Non-Graduates to Achieve a Second Chance

Education often takes unexpected turns, particularly for those who face significant life challenges. High school graduation rates are particularly vulnerable to factors such as early parenting, economic hardship, and bullying. Research from Together Against Bullying indicates that bullying alone forces 1 in 10 students to leave school before graduation.

The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated these challenges in Arizona. Data from the National Center for Education Statistics reveals a decline in the state’s on-time graduation rate, dropping from 79% in 2018–19 to 77% by 2021–22. In contrast, the national average saw a slight increase during the same period, illustrating the uneven impact of the crisis.

The repercussions of failing to obtain a high school diploma are severe in Arizona. Nearly 10.6% of adults over 25 lack a high school credential, marginally higher than the national average of 10.2%. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, individuals in this demographic experience the highest unemployment rate at 5.6% and the lowest median weekly earnings of $708.

High school dropouts also face increased vulnerability to poverty and limited access to essential resources, including healthcare and employment. These interconnected challenges adversely affect their overall well-being and quality of life.

This is where the importance of second chances comes into play. The General Educational Development (GED) test serves as an alternative pathway for individuals who did not complete high school. Established in 1942 to assist World War II veterans, the GED provides a means to validate academic proficiency and pursue further education or employment opportunities.

In Arizona, residents can access affordable GED testing, which includes all four subject tests plus a civics exam for just $173. This small investment can yield significant long-term benefits in career advancement.

Maricopa County offers numerous resources for adults pursuing their GED. State-funded preparatory programs at institutions like Rio Salado College and Frank X. Gordon Adult Education Center provide free classes, while nonprofits like ACYR (Arizona Center for Youth Resources) and CPLC (Chicanos Por La Causa) offer sliding-scale options. The government-operated Phoenix Job Corps Center also provides free GED prep and vocational training.

Many programs offer flexible scheduling, allowing adult learners to balance their education with other responsibilities. These classes aim to restore foundational literacy, boost confidence, and inspire motivation to pursue desired career paths. Employers frequently recognize GED credentials as equivalent to high school diplomas, and high-achieving students may even earn college credits.

Ultimately, success in education is not solely defined by immediate outcomes but by resilience and determination. Obtaining a GED symbolizes hard work and commitment, acting as a gateway to a brighter future and showcasing that second chances are always attainable.

Andrew M. Hurst serves as a GED instructor and coordinator at the Phoenix Job Corps Center and is part of the faculty at Rio Salado College, helping countless individuals reshape their lives through education.