It's Never Too Late to Finish Your Diploma #HatsOffToYou

There is always so much excitement around the weeks leading up to back to school. We get our shopping lists for supplies, new school clothes, and we start getting ourselves prepared for a new schedule. And even as parents, when our kids go back to school, our schedules change. Do you know an adult who is also going through this back to school routine? Many times we do not stop to think about the adults in our lives, friends, family, and co-workers, who might be working on furthering their education as well. And I am not just talking about college classes. I am talking about those hardworking adults who, for one reason or another, were unable to finish their high school diploma or equivalency. Maybe they had to get a job to help support their family, maybe they became mothers at an early age – whatever the reason – we need to celebrate, encourage and inspire anyone who feels like they have nowhere to turn if they were unable to get their high school diploma. Because they are not alone and there is help out 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. 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. How else can you help in your local community? 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: I’m tossing my hat to show my support for the thousands of hard-working adults who will earn their high school diplomas this year #HatsOffToYou. Will you be next? Visit FinishYourDiploma.org for helpful tips. @FinishYourDiploma