There are many routes to success in your education and career. In addition to the opportunities for degrees and credentials offered by Oregon’s postsecondary institutions and workforce partners, you can chart your way forward by earning a GED®, pursuing jobs, volunteering, earning early college credit, and more. Explore these options below!
Earn a GED®
Earning a GED® test credential can help you improve your chances of finding work, increase your earnings, and/or pursue additional education through community colleges, universities, or training programs. The GED® program provides individuals with an opportunity to earn a GED® test credential.
Go to ged.com to start on a pathway to a GED®.
On the GED® site, you can create a test account, learn about study options, test pricing, and policies, schedule a test, learn about accommodations, and more. This is also the site to request test transcripts.
The Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) oversees the GED® test preparation, instruction, and testing process in Oregon. To learn more, visit Oregon's High School Equivalency Program. We work in partnership with the GED Testing Service (GEDTS), Oregon's 17 community colleges, and other state, community, county, and local partners to provide GED® test preparation and testing to Oregonians across the state. You can also learn more here about the
Oregon GED Option Program for 16-17 Year Olds.
Earn College Credit while in High School
High school students across Oregon have the opportunity to earn college credit while in high school. These credits are known in Oregon as “accelerated learning” programs. Students participating in accelerated learning can get a head start on a pathway to a college degree or certificate and prepare for postsecondary expectations.
Learn more about accelerated learning on the Oregon Department of Education website.
The HECC approves policy related to accelerated learning in Oregon.
Learn more about our policy work here. If you are taking an Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) program exam, you can find the policy on what scores are needed to gain credit at Oregon public colleges and universities here.
Explore OregonServes and AmeriCorps Opportunities
Learn and grow while giving back to your local community. Volunteer with local nonprofits to help make a difference in your community. Serve with AmeriCorps to gain valuable work experience, learn new skills, and network with professionals in your desired field. AmeriCorps members receive a monthly stipend, healthcare and childcare benefits, credits and certifications, and an end-of-service term award. The Segal Education Award, worth the value of a Pell Grant, can be used to pay back student loans, enroll in a certificate program, or obtain a degree.
Learn more about OregonServes and AmeriCorps opportunities.
Explore Adult Basic Skills Education
Oregon’s Adult Basic Skills (ABS) programs provide adult Oregonians the skills they need they need to support their families, pursue their careers, participate in their communities, and/or further their education. The HECC works with community colleges and other ABS education providers across the state.
Learn more about our statewide coordination of Adult Basic Skills education.
Oregon Youth: Gain Meaningful Job Experience
Gain meaningful work experience and workforce training such as summer jobs, internships, pre-apprenticeships, and job shadows. Learn valuable skills, and in some cases obtain educational credit while earning a wage. Oregon Youth Works includes five workforce development grant programs that support paid work experiences for thousands of youth statewide.
Learn more about the programs supported by Oregon Youth Works.
Stay Engaged