Hundreds of young people celebrated earning their secondary credentials (GEDs or high school diplomas) last month, supported by programs in the Department of Community & Human Services’ Children, Youth and Young Adult Division. This marks a second year in a row of record-breaking numbers of youth grads; this year 244 young people earned their secondary credentials.
“Graduation day was really emotional for me because getting my GED was something I worked hard for, so finally reaching that moment meant a lot,” said a graduate of King County’s Center for Education & Career Opportunities program, S. Rothman. “I felt proud of how far I’ve come and everyone at CECO was really encouraging and supportive throughout the whole experience. The teachers were very welcoming and I’m grateful for them because I couldn’t have done it without their help.”
The Children, Youth and Young Adult Division operates three learning centers for young people (16 to 24) across the county. The learning centers help connect young people who have left or were pushed out of traditional high school settings to education and employment opportunities.
“Honoring each student’s accomplishments is fulfilling,” said YouthSource case manager Javonya Stewart. “Seeing the smiles on their faces as they bask in their success is the biggest highlight of my job!”
“The End of Year Celebration is the reward that comes from walking alongside a young person on their educational journey,” said Korey J. Strozier, M.A YouthSource Educational Program Strategy & Operations Manager. “We have graduates that started late, stopped and started again, took the long way around, had to work while figuring out school, became caregivers, battled anxiety, lost loved ones, questioned whether they had anything left in the tank and STILL found a way to the finish line! We’re super proud of our young people who made progress, no matter the increment as well as those who earned their credential this academic year!”
Young people who want to kick start their education and employment goals can get started by connecting with Reconnect to Opportunity.
