If you graduated high school you know just how empowered and accomplished you felt that day when you received your diploma and threw your hat up to signify all the hard work had finally paid off. And there is no doubt that Graduating from high school and earning that high school diploma is important – more important than many people may realize.
As you are graduating, celebrating, and moving on – that young mother, who had to decide between school and taking care of her new baby, that young man who had to decide between school and helping his family put food on the table, that young person who was ill and missed too many days of school, all of those who had to drop out of high school and were unable to obtain their diploma – are left to watch and wish they had a high school diploma. And while they may feel like it is too late, they are too old, or it just isn’t obtainable – that just isn’t the case. Most people do not realize the free resources that are out there in their community for them to take advantage of.
Let us inspire and encourage those people around us and let them know they are not alone!
We as a community, as friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers should celebrate anyone we know who took the time to earn their high school diploma or equivalent and motivate and reassure those who have yet to get there.
Without a high school diploma, opportunities in today’s economy can be limited. In fact, nearly 30% of adults with household incomes at or below the federal poverty line do not have a high school credential. The AdCouncil and FinishYourDiploma.org have launched a new campaign to celebrate the adults who have finished their diploma and to inspire those who feel like they have been alone or did not know where to turn to find resources and tools for free adult education in their community.
Earning your diploma means:
- Career Opportunities
- Furthering Your Education
- Higher Salary
- Staying Employed
- More Opportunities in general
Since the campaign initially launched in 2010, Finish Your Diploma has helped more than 800,000 adults in all 50 states find free test-prep classes in their area.
Please help us get the word out about the network of thousands of free adult education classes available throughout the country. You know people in your community who want to further their education and they can benefit from this information!
In most communities, local nonprofits and literacy centers are able to offer free classes to help adults prepare for the GED, TASC, or HiSET high school equivalency tests. If we, as a community, can get people in the door, these centers will provide support and guidance on the path towards higher education. For many adults, earning a high school equivalency diploma is the first step toward a college degree, better job, or brighter future.
We all know at least one person who needs this information – share it!
Join the #HatsOffToYou Social Media Campaign – One thing that unites graduates in the U.S. is the tossing of a cap to celebrate their tremendous achievement. The AdCouncil and FinishYourDiploma.org are asking people to toss a hat in support of adult graduates and to inspire others to get their diplomas. Simply film a short video or Instagram Boomerang, or take a picture of yourself tossing any hat you have available. Use the hashtag #HatsOffToYou and tag @FinishYourDiploma on Instagram. Example: • Hundreds of adults work hard every year for their high school diplomas. Will you be next? Start by tossing your hat to support all the adults who graduate each year! Learn more at FinishYourDiploma.org #HatsOffToYou @FinishYourDiploma
