The State of GED Programs in Brooklyn – A Higher Education Perspective

Earning a high school equivalency diploma by passing the GED test opens up opportunities for further education, meaningful employment and lifelong success. For the approximately 1.1 million adults in New York City without a high school degree, GED programs provide an accessible pathway to gain the essential skills and certification needed to achieve personal and professional goals.

Within Brooklyn, graduations rates have climbed over the past decade yet 21% of adults still lack a high school credential as of 2022. For communities facing high poverty levels, unemployment, language barriers and involvement in the justice system, completing the GED can be lifeline to accessing living-wage jobs, pursuing higher learning and supporting families.

As a higher education reform expert and policy analyst examining best practices for serving non-traditional and adult learners, I have extensively researched local GED preparation programs in Brooklyn. This guide provides insights on established providers as well as emerging initiatives helping New Yorkers pass the high school equivalency exam.

Importance of High School Equivalency Credentials

A high school diploma or equivalent remains crucial for continued education and employment options. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average unemployment rate for high school dropouts in 2021 was 7.3% compared to 5.2% for those with a diploma and 2.5% for individuals with a bachelor‘s degree. Median usual weekly earnings for full-time wage and salary workers without a diploma is $606 versus $867 with a high school credential – a significant 30% boost in income.

For those who did not complete high school in a traditional setting, successfully passing the GED test offers a recognized equivalent. The GED, which stands for General Educational Development, is a standardized series of exams measuring skills and concepts generally learned in four years of high school across language arts, math, science and social studies. Earning a passing score leads New York State to issue a New York State High School Equivalency Diploma accepted by nearly all U.S. colleges and employers.

Growing Need for Non-Traditional Pathways

Statewide, over 137,000 individuals took the New York State GED test in 2021 according to data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Of those test takers, approximately 73% passed to receive their high school equivalency diploma. These figures represent a 19% increase in GED participation and 12% rise is pass rates compared to 2017 demonstrating growing demand for alternate routes amongst adult learners.

Here in New York City, an analysis of graduation figures over the past five years underscores substantial interest in GED programs:

Year	NYC GED Test Takers	NYC GED Graduates	% Increase in Graduates
2017	18,407	10,560	–
2018	20,231	11,972	13%
2019	26,113	15,568	30%
2020	21,947	14,069	-10%
2021	29,032	19,089	36%

Rising enrollments and completions correlate with grassroots volunteer efforts, community-based organizations and public funding expanding free GED preparation services targeted at non-traditional students.

Barriers Facing Adult Learners

However, many still struggle to cross the high school graduation finish line. The overall New York State pass rate has hovered between 70 to 75% over the past five years indicating persistant obstacles. Adult learners pursuing a GED credential often juggle commitments to family, work and other priorities presenting challenges including:

• Financial constraints – Enrollment fees, transportation costs and lost wages during studying present difficulties especially for low-income students
• Scheduling conflicts – Balancing school with full-time jobs, childcare duties and other obligations limits study time
• Underlying skill gaps – Years outside the classroom lead to academic knowledge loss requiring significant remedial work
• Confidence issues – Prior negative experiences coupled with concerns over test-taking abilities instill self-doubt
• Stress and trauma – Unresolved personal problems and trauma associated with poverty, violence, addiction or incarceration hamper focus
• Limited support systems – Many lack encouragement from peers or family members who can provide motivation

These frequently encountered barriers contribute to high attrition rates amongst adult education participants nationally.

Within New York City, in-depth surveys found 31% of respondents seeking but not presently enrolled in GED or workforce programs faced obstacles related to program expenses while 37% noted scheduling challenges. Over 57% of homeless students at shelters sites struggle balancing education and jobs indicating a need for greater flexibility.

Promising Innovations in Local Programs

Recognizing these realities, many exemplar community organizations and GED prep programs in Brooklyn have implemented best practices for assisting adult learners overcome hurdles.

Shorter courses, part-time tracks and mixed online/in-person models accommodating irregular work hours and other commitments demonstrate one key innovation. Certain providers also furnish free childcare, food assistance and Metrocards easing financial limitations for lower-resourced students.

Additionally, experiential project-based learning centering real-world interests sparks motivation and persistence according to instructors. Combining high school equivalency curriculum with career or technical skills applicable to local jobs provides contextual meaning and forward momentum.

Several standout localized examples showcase such advances:

• Opportunities for a Better Tomorrow‘s (OBT) Bridge to Crafts program allows students to simultaneously prepare for the GED exam while training towards industry-recognized credentials for careers in the building, property management and construction trades.

• The Shorefront YM-YWHA offers a Young Adult Internship Program integrating 21st century skill-building and individualized academic support with part-time job placements at area employers putting classroom knowledge into practice.

• RiseBoro Community Partnership‘s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program enables GED students to apply math concepts picked up in class to providing free tax prep services at their neighborhood IRS site.

• Exalt Youth coordinates GED test prep around court dates and supervision requirements for systems-involved youth ensuring educational progress aligns with other mandated activities.

These outside-the-box approaches meeting distinct needs demonstrate local organizations‘ nimbleness and responsiveness evolving services to connect with target communities.

Impact of Customized Neighborhood Options

Grassroots groups strongly anchored within the fabric of Brooklyn areas possess advantages tailoring offerings to respective cultural backgrounds, immigrant experiences and economic realities. Developing trust fosters participation particularly among historically marginalized residents often alienated from institutionalized systems.

As a higher education specialist and Brooklyn resident myself, I deeply appreciate hyperlocal outfits addressing intersectional inequities through education.

For example, the East New York Family Academy delivers GED programming specifically for public housing youth while RiseBoro Community Partnership concentrates efforts in northern Brooklyn areas with concentrated poverty. The Brooklyn Labor Coalition alternatively integrates high school equivalency preparation with career pathways into construction trades harnessing long-established union relationships.

Location matters when it comes to breaking down barriers to access and completion. Neighborhood-based groups Intimately attuned to community needs and assets provide the relational glue binding students to services. Meeting people where they are at – literally and figuratively – can make all the difference navigating complex lives to support perseverance.

Participant Profile – Cynthia‘s Story

Cynthia, a 19 year old expecting a baby, dropped out of a troubled neighborhood high school beset by violence before earning a diploma. After giving birth to her son Amari, she worked low-paying jobs for three years struggling to provide for her child as a single mother before learning about CAMBA‘s ASCEND program from a friend.

The education and career-focused program allowed Cynthia to prepare for the GED exam at her own pace while benefiting from advising on next steps. She passed the test before the year‘s end, gaining confidence to apply for an office administrator position at a local nonprofit also working with young families.

"Getting my GED was the first step towards feeling like I can create a better life for me and son," Cynthia says. "I want him to be proud of his mom and see that you can always create new opportunities to support your family."

Cynthia still stops by CAMBA to volunteer supporting other young mothers working towards their high school equivalency diplomas and career aspirations. "Having people right there in my neighborhood who believed in me kept me motivated to stick with the classes and studying even when I felt overwhelmed juggling everything."

Selecting the Right Brooklyn Program

With growth amongst providers, how can learners identify and select a quality GED program matching individual circumstances and learning objectives? While navigating the array of options, key aspects to consider include:

Convenience and Support

• Location close to home or work
• Schedule suiting availability
• Childcare assistance able to utilize
• One-on-one tutoring and one-stop guidance

Adaptability and Specialization

• Flexible enrollment model – open, drop-in, fixed cohorts
• Customized curriculum responding to entering abilities
• Contextualized courses integrating basic skills upgrading and occupational training
• Special supports for target demographics – ESL, justice-involved, housing insecure residents

Effectiveness and Outcomes

• Depth of instructional hours
• Teacher-student ratios
• Pass rates on practice tests/post assessments
• Graduation and transition data

Cost to Students

• Free tuition
• Free books and materials
• Transportation and meals assistance

The below table summarizes key aspects of some of Brooklyn‘s highest quality providers evaluated across these performance categories:

Organization	Location(s)	Schedule Options	Key Components	Outcomes
Kingsborough Community College	2001 Oriental Boulevard Brooklyn, NY 11235	Morning, Afternoon, Evening and Weekend Sessions	One-on-one Tutoring Integrated Computer Classes Postsecondary and Career Advising	81% GED Pass Rate Seamless Pathway to Kingsborough degree programs for 53% of recent graduates
SUNY Brooklyn Educational Opportunity Center	111 Livingston Street Brooklyn, NY 11201	Part-time and Full-time Days and Evenings	Small Group Instruction Customized Courses	GED Pass Rate 15% Above State Average
Opportunities for a Better Tomorrow (OBT)	783 Fourth Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11232	Monday through Friday Some Weekend Offerings	Bridge to Crafts – Contextualized Construction Skills Training Career Services	72% Cohort Completion Rate 85% Job Placement Rate
Shorefront YM-YWHA	3300 Coney Island Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11235	Flexible by Appointment	Individualized Study Plans Internship Opportunities	94% of Young Adult Program Participants Pass the GED
CAMBA	1720 Church Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11226	Monday through Friday Evening GED Offerings	Integrates Literacy Instruction with Healthcare Training	78% GED Graduation Rate 92% Nursing Assistant Credential Attainment Rate
Brownsville Community Justice Center	444 Thomas S. Boyland Street Brooklyn, NY 11212	Two weeknights and Saturdays	Small Group Instruction Wrap-Around Counseling Services	Over 90% Pass Rate Shorter 5 Month Program Model

With a solid grounding on core considerations, students can determine optimal providers matching budget, scheduling, locale, course customization, teaching support, transition assistance and outcome needs.

The listings only showcase a sample of worthwhile options among Brooklyn‘s larger scope of preparatory programs assisting New Yorker secure the essential high school equivalency certification for expanding future prospects.

Building Brighter Futures Through Continued Education

As cities, nonprofit and philanthropic community groups recognize unrealized human capital amongst populations without a diploma, investment continues growing to extend opportunities through alternative certifications like the GED. Despite progress around bolstering offerings and supports, need outpaces resources necessitating ongoing efforts targeting gaps.

Early indications suggest strong and increasing momentum heading into 2024 within Brooklyn for helping disconnected high school dropouts successfully reengage via intensive test preparation services:

• Last December, the New York City Council approved $3 million specifically towards expanding tuition-free GED programs reflecting two straight years of unprecedented funding ramp-ups
• The NYC Labor Department projects jobs requiring only a high school diploma to increase 6% in Brooklyn by 2026 pointing to the value of this affordable credential for accessing decent employment
• Columbia University‘s Center for Justice announced a major two year partnership supporting community based organizations providing criminal justice system-involved youth GED education reflecting promising interventions meeting specialized needs

As policy discussions persist around raising the minimum wage, few investments promise a higher return than funding adult basic education advancement fostering sustainable livelihoods and economic mobility. Having researched community-based solutions up close through my scholarship, investing in local wisdom and resources already impacting Brooklynites appears a prudent pathway.

With quality programming, dedication and the right guidance, a high school equivalency diploma remains attainable for all determined learners irrespective of past challenges. For any struggling or discouraged individuals in Brooklyn, know that opportunities exist to transform your life‘s trajectory through the GED. This guide provided a broad cross-section of specialty providers and supportive services ready assist your access a valuable stepping stone towards further horizons.