Penn Foster Partners with EnGen to Offer English Language Learning Diploma

October 26, 2022

Today, a high school diploma is essential to upward mobility in the workforce. But for many who aren’t proficient in English, earning a high school diploma in the traditional way is difficult and, because of the language barrier, these students are likely to drop out.

According to data collected during the 2018 school year, only 68% of English language learners (ELLs) graduated high school while 85% of English proficient learners attained their diplomas. Without a diploma on their resume, they’re left to fill entry-level jobs that don’t offer room for growth or advancement.

For example, nearly one-third of talented Hispanic workers are excluded from colleges and universities, trade schools, and professional opportunities that require applicants to have a high school diploma. Not only does this impact their potential in the workforce, it can also widen the skills gap that is responsible for many vacant positions.

To solve this problem, Penn Foster has partnered with EnGen, a virtual language upskilling platform, to provide a path toward diploma attainment that also allows learners to improve their English language proficiency.