The training officer noticed over the years that none of her patrons were able to pass the GED exam. The exam has become harder to pass and despite dedicating hours to study, only two individuals were able to earn a GED at any of the Learn Centers. After receiving the grant, the training officer started investigating alternatives to the GED. She found an online high school diploma program that could be completed within three months.

The training officer recruited nine students in 2017 through regular Learn users who had unsuccessfully tried to earn a GED, awarding each of them a scholarship to the online program. She worked with them individually to ensure their success, requiring a set number of hours per week in the program. Partnerships resulted in volunteers also committing to tutor the students. Members of the UTSA Delta Sigma Theta Sorority worked with students on a weekly basis.

All nine students graduated with their high school diplomas in December 2017. The majority of the graduates are continuing their education at community college or technical school. Many have been able to move into better employment opportunities as a result of having earned a high school diploma. Dollar General recently awarded Carver’s Learn at SAPL center an additional grant which will be used to extend the program. Eight more individuals will graduate in 2018.