New efforts to help adults earn their high school diplomas

Carolina Caballero doesn’t often have time to sit and chat.

“My work is really hard," she said.

Every day, she cleans two houses— many times by herself.

Caballero moved from El Salvador to Rifle, Colorado in 2006.

“It’s really hard because you have to start a new life— new people, new language," Caballero said about the move.

Caballero doesn't have a high school degree, so she says cleaning houses is the best way she knows how to provide for herself and her two children.

Dwenna Holden helps adults with their education at Colorado Mountain College.

“The pandemic was particularly difficult for our rural mountain communities, especially historically-marginalized communities, so our Hispanic communities or Latino communities were especially hard hit," Holden said.

Caballero is taking classes at the college in hopes of obtaining a high school education.

Fewer people are continuing their education after high school

Fewer people are continuing their education after high school

The amount of students in college classrooms is dropping, which could have long-term impacts for society as a whole.

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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, people who didn't graduate high school make roughly $180 less a week than those who are in the workplace with just a high school diploma.

“Many of my students had to go to work for their families and support their families and our traditional high school system isn't set up for students to have full-time jobs and work," Holden said.

Holden notes that there isn't much of a difference between the value of a GED and an official high school diploma, but there is when it comes to cost.

The cost of an adult high school diploma course at Colorado Mountain College is $60 dollars and takes 16 weeks. A person who wants to obtain a GED will need to pass several tests, which cost $150. The cost can vary from state to state.

“A GED can take years to get, but a high school diploma program takes students just a semester," Holden said.

Right now, Holden's college needs to work with a local school district to issue high school diplomas.