Earning a GED Opens the Door to Greater Opportunity

June 9, 2025

At the Capital District Educational Opportunity Center (EOC), students of all ages are taking the first step toward a better future by pursuing their GED. For many, the decision is driven by a desire for more opportunities — better jobs, financial security, and the ability to serve as a role model for their families.

The importance of a high school diploma or equivalent is something EOC students know all too well. Some have shared stories of receiving job offers only to be turned away during the onboarding process when they couldn’t produce proof of a high school diploma or GED. Others have enrolled at the EOC because they want to show their children that education matters — and that it’s never too late to go back to school.

National statistics support what these students already know: obtaining a GED can make a measurable difference. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, individuals with a GED or high school diploma earn, on average, over $10,000 more per year than those without one. They are also more likely to qualify for jobs with advancement potential, including management and leadership roles.

GED preparation at the Capital District EOC through its High School Equivalency (HSE) Preparation program is flexible and designed to meet students where they are. Participants can study in a classroom setting with instructor support, use the Advanced Technology Training and Information Networking (ATTAIN) Lab, or work through online learning platforms such as Aztec or Edmentum — often using a combination of all three.

While self-study may seem like an option for some, many students find that structure, encouragement, and the support of knowledgeable instructors at the EOC make the difference between trying and succeeding.

“Working alongside other students and instructors creates accountability and motivation,” said Adrienna Kudrewicz, an academic instructor in the GED and Vocational Prep programs. “No matter what path students take, the goal is the same — to earn that important piece of paper and open the door to a better future.”