The Penn Foster Blog

At Penn Foster, our mission is to provide accessible, affordable education to all. Through the power of education, we strive to build up student confidence for success in further academic pursuits and future careers.  This year, we've made some significant strides towards this, thanks to the support and efforts of our incredible partner network and the communities and students they serve.

Life is complicated and there is no shortage of financial, academic, motivational and societal blockers that could derail an individual from continuing with a college education. Without the knowledge or motivation to seek support from available resources, these students see leaving school as their only option.

Simply "going to school" doesn't guarantee a college degree and a good job after graduation. For the most successful outcomes, career college students should take advantage of all of the support their college provides, and strive to get the most out of every moment on campus. As a career college, you have a unique opportunity to provide your students with advice upon signing enrollment papers. Relaying to your students the value of self-discipline, persistence, and a great attitude can help ensure a rewarding career college experience. Share with students the following seven successful habits that they can use as a guide to maximize their college experience.

Many students entering a High School Completion Program are young adults or adults who struggled in a traditional high school setting for a variety of reasons. These students enrolled in the diploma completion program are looking for a second chance at not only earning their high school diploma, but to embark on a journey towards post-secondary education, and, ultimately better career options.

On Sept. 4, service workers in more than 150 cities began a revolt against low wages. The continued nonviolent displays of civil disobedience prove workers' determination to "fight for $15." For demonstrators, walking out on jobs and risking arrest were small prices to pay compared to the potential rewards of an increased minimum wage. For fast food workers- many of whom are adults trying to support families-the strikes represent more than money; they're also fighting for union recognition, fair treatment and opportunities for a better life.

Perspective frames everything we do " the challenges we face, the obstacles we overcome, and the goals we accomplish. Yet it's not until we go outside of our own frame and look into the lives of others that we are truly able to grasp where we stand.

Last week Penn Foster attended the 2014 Accrediting Council of Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) 2014 Annual conference, where we co-presented a panel discussion with Dorsey Schools. Denise Fox Pratt (VP of Institutional Effectiveness), Gerrit Ketelhut (Penn Foster program facilitator) and Nikkiya Gentry (Penn Foster High School graduate and Dorsey Culinary Arts student) provided their unique perspectives on how Penn Foster's High School Completion program is creating positive outcomes for local students, Dorsey Schools, and the greater Detroit community. Here are my big takeaways from the panel: 

What's a high school diploma worth? In terms of salary earnings, about $10,386 a year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.1 Yet, 32 percent of students who drop out of high school do so to find employment.2 Having a high school diploma not only presents opportunities for higher wages, but it also opens the door to a boosted socioeconomic status.