Your Springboard to College and Career Success Starts with GED Programs in Brooklyn
Think back to when you walked the hallways of high school, anxiously keeping track of credits needed to don that cap and gown. If circumstances prevented you from graduating, know that it‘s never too late to claim your right of passage with an equivalency diploma.
Across New York State, over 56,000 adults earned their high school equivalency credential through the General Education Development (GED) exam last year alone. Now at a time when bachelor‘s degrees increasingly hold more economic weight, taking this first step positions you for career growth and further education milestones ahead.
Why Earning Your GED in Brooklyn Pays Off
First administered in 1942 to service members without high school diplomas, the GED is now the primary pathway for adults to demonstrate core academic competencies. By passing subtests focused on mathematical reasoning, science, social studies, reading, and writing skills, examinees can earn a New York State High School Equivalency Diploma.
Nearly 16% of Brooklyn residents age 18 and older lack this baseline credential, trailing behind Queens, Manhattan and Staten Island. However closing this gap matters, as GED recipients not only unlock promotable civilian and military jobs, but qualify to apply for the city‘s growing range of vocational certificates and two-to-four year college programs.
So whether you aspire to be a medical assistant, HVAC technician, app developer or the first in your family to achieve an academic degree – upgrading your education will only open more doors.
Industries Seeking Skilled GED Holders
| Sector | Positions |
|---|---|
| Construction | Electrician, Carpenter, Painter |
| Healthcare | Phlebotomist, Radiology Technician, Paramedic |
| Technology | IT Support Specialist, Network Technician, Software Tester |
| Manufacturing & Utilities | Assembler, Power Plant Operator, Quality Inspector |
"I was worried employers would judge me for not finishing school," shares Jamar P., a Brooklyn native working full-time after earning his GED diploma three years ago. "But now having it on my resume has only opened up better jobs with advancement."
Comparing Brooklyn GED Programs to Meet Your Needs
Brooklyn boasts an exceptional range of affordable and often free preparation courses to help you study for GED subject tests. Which option you choose depends on factors like your budget, availability for live or self-guided lessons, and academic strengths.
Leading Classroom Programs in Brooklyn
| Provider | Schedule | Subjects | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opportunities for a Better Tomorrow | M-F 9am – 5pm | All subjects plus career counseling | Free with some income limits |
| University Settlement | Evening and weekends | All subjects plus exam simulation | Sliding scale, as low as $250 total |
| Route 16 Literacy | Variable modules | Individualized skill building | Free |
Traditional classroom environments continue to suit most adult learners pursuing their high school equivalency certification. Developing a community with like-minded peers progressing through the same milestones provides motivation to persevere.
Speaking from experience, Brooklyn-based GED recipient Mia Davis reflects that "…surrounding myself with others committed to the same goal made me accountable. We formed lasting friendships, realizing nobody‘s path is perfect."
Flexible Online GED Prep at Your Pace
| Website | Key Features | Price |
|---|---|---|
| GED.com | Customizable lessons, practice quizzes, live tutoring | Plans from $20/month |
| Prepscholar | Adaptive diagnostic testing, math foundations course | Plans from $29/month |
Reputable websites like GED.com and Prepscholar give you the flexibility to study anytime, anywhere via tablet, phone or computer. Instruction techniques that adapt to your pacing and performance can accelerate proficiency.
Just be mindful that staying motivated independently online can prove challenging without external accountability. Scheduling regular virtual check-ins with tutors can alleviate pitfalls.
Charting Your Unique Route to Exam Success
Your pathway to passing the GED likely combines various forms of preparation based on availability, budget and the subjects you most need reinforcement in.
While practice tests mirroring actual exam conditions are essential no matter your study method, also focus sufficient time on strengthening underlying skills. For example mastering algebra fundamentals better equips you to tackle math reasoning stories presented.
Expert Tips to Reaching Graduation Day
| Timeline | Actions |
|---|---|
| 12 weeks pre-exam | Take diagnostic practice test to ID weaker subjects |
| 10 weeks out | Enroll in program and set customized study schedule |
| 6 weeks out | Ramp up practice problems across all subjects |
| 2 weeks out | Simulate exam day conditions with timed practice test |
"An incremental and disciplined strategy prevents burnout yet steadily develops the skills and stamina needed to pass," urges Charisse P., a GED instructor.
Equally invaluable is cultivating a growth mindset around areas needing improvement.
"I stopped doubting my ability to grasp math concepts I previously struggled with," shares Terrance J., Brooklyn graduate. "Classes gave me strategies to interpret story problems and build comprehension over time."
Continuing Your Education After Graduation
A world of possibilities emerge once you‘ve earned that hard-fought GED diploma. Perhaps you seek direct employment or plan to pursue vocational certificates, two-year or four-year college degrees.
Across Brooklyn, 17.5% of GED recipients enroll in City University of New York (CUNY) associate‘s degree programs while 5.2% continue onto bachelor‘s studies. That attraction lies not only in developing in-demand skills but also affordable tuition rates.
"I had dropped out of high school my junior year after having my daughter," says Single Stop counselor Tasha, who went on to finish her BA after obtaining a GED. "The financial assistance available to us as adult learners made it possible."
Local favorites amongst former GED students furthering their education include:
- Kingsborough Community College – Transferring into nursing, cybersecurity and other high-paying fields
- Brooklyn College – Renowned programs in business, education, health and human services
- Medgar Evans College – Strong STEM preparation combined with smaller class sizes
The path ahead looks bright, leading to careers allowing you to better provide for your family and grow professionally.
"I‘m now the role model for my kids that I always hoped I could be," beams Chanel T., a Brooklyn mom working toward her teaching degree.
We applaud every step you are taking toward personal growth and doing what it takes to succeed in life. Your future starts by empowering yourself through education – beginning with GED graduation!