In many cases, missed opportunities can lead to misfortunes. If it’s been years since you missed the opportunity to earn your high school diploma, the opportunity has not passed. In fact, there are many financial, academic and social benefits to returning to school to receive that much-needed certificate.
While work obligations and financial strain leads many to put off their quest to earn a high school diploma, it’s possible with the help of the Leon N. Weiner Education Foundation. Our organization is pleased to announce the online high school diploma tuition scholarship as part of our partnership with Career Online High School in Ohio to provide free tuition to students who are 16 years of age or older and want to earn their high school diploma.
To qualify, you must be a resident in good standing of a property owned by Leon N. Weiner & Associates or managed by Arbor Management, LLC and a U.S. citizen or legal resident of the U.S. Let’s explore the benefits of earning a high school diploma.
Financial Stability
Did you know that individuals who possess a high school diploma earn more than those who do not have this certificate? On average, high school graduates earn typically $4 more per hour than individuals who do not have a high school diploma, according to the Economic Policy Institute. To break this down further, you could earn a minimum of $10,000 more each year than those who do not have a high school diploma, according to U.S. Census Bureau reports.
A higher paycheck allows you the financial freedom to support yourself and a family while also opening the door to advance within your chosen career. It’s also more likely that you will qualify for positions that offer retirement plans or pensions to safeguard your financial future.
Career Opportunities
Without a high school diploma, many individuals struggle to find work that pays a living wage. Not only does a high school diploma provide you with lifelong skills and knowledge to make more informed decisions, but it also boosts your opportunities within a variety of industries. Employers are seeking individuals who have graduated high school because it showcases that you’ve gained a knowledge base necessary for problem solving and critical thinking.
In addition, a high school diploma opens the door to further your education. For instance, if you plan to enter the restaurant industry, many employers may assist with paying for continuing education, college or management classes that enhance your skills to advance within the company.
According to recent unemployment rates, an individual with a high school diploma is more likely to be employed when compared to those without high school diplomas. Continuing your education reduces your risk of unemployment. For example, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate averages at 2.5 percent for college graduates, 5.3 percent for individuals with a high school diploma and 7.7 percent for individuals who have not graduated high school. When considering the statistics, it’s clear to see that the more education you obtain, the more employable you will be over time.
One benefit to a high school diploma that is overlooked is how it can improve your health long term. When you qualify for better career opportunities, it’s more likely that you will have access to health insurance and medical care provided and paid for by your employer. Not only will you enhance your skills and emerge as a more well-rounded person after obtaining a high school diploma, but you will also have more access to the healthcare necessary to improve your quality of life.
Enhanced Skill Set
One misconception is that you must have a college degree to perform well on the job. Although continued education offers many benefits, a high school diploma sets the foundation for your learning. Employers know that individuals with a high school diploma have put in the work necessary to graduate and they understand that you’ve gained practical skills and life skills by achieving this goal. Obtaining a high school diploma requires dedication and hard work, which are skills and traits that employers seek out.
Combined with on-the-job experience and your past employment history, earning a high school diploma sets you apart from other applicants when applying for entry-level or mid-level positions. Your education showcases that you are willing to learn, which is a strong transferrable skill that employers in every industry seek out in job candidates. Earning a high school diploma is a commitment. Achieving this goal shows employers that when you are committed to a task – no matter how difficult – you follow through.
A Pathway to College
If you dream of obtaining a college degree, the first step is to earn your high school diploma. This certificate affords you with the skills and knowledge to not only succeed in your chosen career path, but also continue your education at a college or university. In many cases, colleges prefer or require a high school diploma for admission. This gives you more of an opportunity to expand your knowledge base, but also increase your earning potential and job opportunities.
Many colleges and universities offer two-to-four-year programs with accelerated degree options and certificate programs within a variety of industry specializations. From culinary classes to general education courses, the sky is the limit when you have your high school diploma needed for college admission.
A Sense of Accomplishment
While it’s common to seek out earning a high school diploma for career advancement and financial stability, don’t underestimate the sense of accomplishment and pride you will experience after meeting this goal. A high school diploma program takes dedication and commitment that is worth the end result. As you finish each homework assignment, test, presentation or group project, you will have a sense of pride that offers intrinsic rewards that only you can offer yourself.
Learning to balance home, work and school life can be a challenge. However, it is something you can achieve. When working with a personal mentor from our partners at Career Online High School, you will learn more about the effort and commitment needed to succeed. Having a helping hand along for the journey provides you with the motivation you need to excel academically and financially.
Tuition Assistance for a High School Diploma
The Leon N. Weiner Education Foundation has partnered with Career Online High School to offer tuition assistance for residents of our properties. You can earn a high school diploma in as little as 10-18 months by dedicating 10-12 hours each week to your studies. Through this high school diploma assistance program, students must complete eight lessons or one semester per week to stay on pace and earn one credit per month.
The scholarship requirements require that you complete the first half credit within the first two weeks to ‘test drive’ the program. The first 30 days serves as a probationary period. If you’re apprehensive about the workload, know that Career Online High School offers academic support. Once you are enrolled in Part 2 of the program, you are assigned an academic coach who will guide you through the program and help you establish academic and career goals.
If you have earned some credits at an accredited high school, you also may qualify for credit based on transcripts from your previous high school. This will allow you to complete the program in less time. We recommend meeting with your academic coach to determine how your transfer credit will be evaluated by the online high school program.
To apply for the Leon N. Weiner Education Foundation’s Online High School Diploma Tuition Scholarship, contact Program Coordinator Linda Perkins at lnwscholars@verizon.net or call 302-765-8007 to learn more about the enrollment process.
When embarking on a new learning experience, know that the Leon N. Weiner Education Foundation is here to support your efforts and encourage you along the way. The mission of the Leon N. Weiner Education Foundation is to build foundations for the future by providing educational assistance to children and adults who are members of families with low to moderate incomes. Learn more about these opportunities at https://www.weinereducationfoundation.org/.