Get Your HS Diploma or GED
We all need money to have our needs met.
And it’s been proven that if you have a high school diploma, you’re going to earn more money in your life.
Maybe you want to skip high school and enter the workforce right now… That’s a choice you have the right to make, but it will limit your choices later in life.
Life is hard enough. With fewer choices and opportunities, things only become harder.
If you’re open to getting that diploma, you’re lucky to live in the Twin Cities.
The public school systems in both Minneapolis and St. Paul have resources to get you on track – even if your living situation is unstable.
Who to call in the Twin Cities
Minneapolis Public Schools has many flexible choices for students with different needs and goals. They have a team of advocates who support homeless and highly mobile students.
They can help you get into the right school, whether that means a traditional HS, alternative school or online program.
Call 612-277-0210 to speak with the shelter office coordinator. And don’t worry about your credits, immunizations, or paperwork. You don’t need to bring an adult either.
The staff will meet with you in person. They’ll talk to you about your situation, and then create a plan to help you get on track to graduate.
St. Paul Public Schools has a program called Project REACH that works with homeless students and their families.
They can arrange placement, school supplies, and transportation to and from school.
If you’re in a shelter, the staff there will know an intake worker at Project REACH, so ask them for help.
Otherwise, call SPPS placement at 651-232-3700 and tell them you are homeless and need to talk about options for High School enrollment.
Taking the GED Test
What is a GED?
A GED shows that you have educational experience that’s equal to a high school diploma.
Getting your GED means you can move past the high school level toward a college education. Some employers prefer a high school diploma over a GED, so if you have a choice, try to finish your diploma.
To earn a GED, you have to take a test. You are eligible to take the GED test if you:
- Have been a Minnesota resident for at least 90 days.
- Are at least 19 years old.
- Are 16-18 years old and meet the requirements to submit an age waiver form.
- Have been out of school for at least a year (or your high school class has graduated).
Fees apply for the first test and any additional retesting you take. So be sure to study for the GED and come to the testing center fully prepared.
Tutoring programs are offered at Safezone in St. Paul and Youthlink in Minneapolis. The staff at these drop-in centers can help you prepare for the test.
You can take the GED test in St. Paul at the Hubbs Center (651-290-4822), or in Minneapolis through Adult Basic Education (612-668-3800).