Pierce is opening new doors for adults with the Pierce College Adult Diploma (PCAD) program.

Recognized by the state as High School 21, this program offers students over the age of 21 who did not graduate from high school the chance to earn a Washington State high school diploma while earning college credits.

PCAD was first offered in the fall of 2014 after receiving approval from the Chancellor and Board of Directors. The vision for a program that offered adults a high school diploma and a smooth transition into college classes comes from Lori Griffin, Dean of Transitional Education.

The structured classes are in high school completion and include reading, writing, mathematics, science and history. Students can also work towards their GED although high school completion is the main focus.

Bill Orrange, Transitional Education Instructor, says, “Pierce College is the first college in Washington state to offer transitions to college as part of a students high school pathway.”

Richard Dunn is a student in the class who plans to take Auto Technician course in Clover Park once he earns his diploma.

“I spent about three years working towards a GED in Clover Park and it was a waste of time.” He goes on to say that PCAD offers more one on one instruction and more flexibility.

Another student, Noel Oldham also spent time working on Clover Park’s programs. She said, “It’s a totally different feel than other programs. The teachers really are emotionally invested and they have an open door policy for anyone that needs help.”

Orrange says, “It’s a great transition for students. They’re experiencing classes in a college environment and the hope is that they’ll get their high school diploma and transition into college.”

According to Orrange, the GED used to be run by the federal education program. That changed in January 2014 when Pearson View, a private for profit company bought the rights to the GED. With that, everything is done online.

Anyone wishing to take the GED must have a credit card, which Orrange said, “Is adversely affecting the poor.” Those who do not have credit cards are then forced to purchase a prepaid credit card from a local retailer to pay for the test.

“It’s not fair. And the test became much more difficult. Now you have to have intermediate algebra skills and solid 10th or 11th grade reading and writing skills to pass the test,” Orrange said.

The cost of the PCAD program is $25. Students must have high school transcripts to enroll. Students enrolled in PCAD are also earning college credits while working towards high school completion and their diploma, making the program even more inviting.

To earn a high school diploma from Pierce, students must have 20 credit hours and have completed College 110 (College Success) as well as an ITRANS (transitional) class in English or Math.

The approval of the high school completion program is a step in the right direction for Pierce. Education is a necessity in today’s economy and programs like PCAD offer students encouragement, hope and the chance to be successful.

PCAD is offered in Fort Steilacoom and Puyallup. For more information or to enroll, visit Pierce’s website.