High School Equivalency Diploma

What Doors Will an HSE Diploma Open?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, earning your high school diploma can increase your weekly income by 25%! Click here to learn more about how education level impacts your income. The Center for Workforce Development offers free programs to help adults pass the GED test and earn their High School Equivalency (HSE) diploma. 

GED Information
New York State uses the GED test as the formal assessment to earn your high school equivalency (HSE) diploma. To learn more about the test and create a free account, visit GED.com. For more information on the different pathways to earning your high school equivalency diploma, visit the NYS Education Department website.

Why CWD?
  • Individualized instruction to meet your needs
  • Small class-sizes
  • Flexible program options 
  • Qualified, knowledgeable, caring instructors
  • Transition support for entering one of our career & technical programs or other educational institutions/employment opportunities
 
New Offerings for the 23-24 School Year
New Location: Center for Workforce Development @ WEMOCO 
3589 Big Ridge Road Spencerport NY 14559
 
High School Equivalency Preparation for Young Adults (16-20 years old)
Students under the age of 21 must have approval through their home school district to attend classes at CWD. More information on our programs for young adults is available here. 

Classroom Instruction for Adults (21 and older)
Traditional, in-person instruction is the approach students often find the most success with. Improve your skills in social studies, science, reading, math, and writing to pass the GED. Students are expected to attend at least 80% of their scheduled class. 

ClassDaysTime
HSE for Adults AM
Mon. -Thurs. 
8:45-11:45 a.m.
HSE Math 1 for Adults*       
Mon. & Wed.
5:30-8:30 p.m.
HSE Math 2 for Adults*
Tues. & Thurs
5:30-8:30 p.m.

*Adults are placed in a Math class based on their initial test results
 
Distance Education for Adults (21 and older)
At-home learning is designed for those motivated to earn their HSE diploma, but unable to attend regular classroom sessions. Your instructor will provide you with packets of learning materials 2x per month. Students learning at home also have access to optional tutoring support. All students are required to take periodic assessments in-person.
 
ClassDaysTime
HSE Distance Education
Fridays* (in person)
8:45-11:45 a.m.
* Plus 6 hours of independent work per week
HSE Distance Education    
Tuesdays* (online)
5:30-8:30 p.m.
* Plus 6 hours of independent work per week

Work towards your HSE Diploma and a new career at the same time! The Supported Dual Enrollment program allows adult students enrolled in an HSE program to enroll in a career training program at the same time, allowing them to be ready for a new career faster. With this innovative program, students prepare to enter the workplace with highly sought-after skills while at the same time acquiring the necessary reading, writing, and mathematical skills to be workplace-ready. Supported Dual Enrollment qualifies the recipient for a reduction in job-training tuition costs. Click here to learn more!

ClassDaysTime
CTE Support Class*
Tues. & Thurs.
3-5 p.m.
* Other dual enrollment schedule options may be available based on individual needs and program of interest

Policies and Procedures
For successful completion of a high school equivalency or other literacy program, students must adhere to the policies and procedures as outlined in the Adult Learner Handbook.
 

How Do I Start?

Adult HSE Orientation
All classes, including distance education, require an in-person 2-day orientation, which includes a reading and math assessment, an opportunity to learn more about our programs and instructors, and education and career assessments.

Click on the link in the red button below to register for orientation and connect with an advisor to help you get started. 

Success Stories

Director, teachers, and a student receiving an award
BOCES 2 CWD Adult Student Receives Statewide Student of the Year Award
Patricia Douglas received the New York Association for Continuing and Community Education (NYACCE) Student of the Year award in Albany. She is an adult student in the High School Equivalency (HSE) class at the Monroe 2-BOCES Center for Workforce Development (CWD) in Gates.

Her CWD teacher, Theresa Parsons, nominated Douglas for the award. In her nomination letter, Parsons wrote, “Patricia left High School in the tenth grade due to unfortunate life circumstances. After years away from education, Patricia summoned the courage to try attending school again. Douglas joined the HSE class one year ago at the Center for Workforce Development and has consistently achieved gains. She works diligently every day to meet her goal and achieve her High School Equivalency.”

“I returned to school because this has always been a goal to me. Even when I was told many years ago by a mentor that I could never do it,” said Douglas. “All the staff members at CWD have shown me that they have confidence in me, that I can do this.” Upon winning the award, Douglas said, “I finally feel like I was noticed in what I do to try to help others and also that I was not invisible. All I ever wanted to do was to help others in my lessons, to be positive, and remind others to not give up on their goals.”

At 65, Douglas owns a small and successful hat making business, Patty D Originals, and is a patent holder. “This diploma will opens doors for me,” she said.  “Maybe, I can go to college. It would be a good challenge for me.”

In addition to receiving the NYACCE Student of the Year Award. Douglas was honored before her HSE class in a ceremony by BOCES 2 CWD Director Tom Schulte (l-r); her current teachers Andrea Parker and Carolyn Yarton; Senator Joseph Robach; BOCES2 Assistant Superintendent for Instructional Programs Tim Dobbertin; and BOCES 2 District Superintendent JoAnne Antonacci. Senator Robach presented Douglas with a certificate. All agreed she is an inspiration to them and to her fellow HSE adult students.

Douglas earned her HSE diploma in 2020.