Do You Need a GED or High School Diploma?
Students can earn their GED or high school diploma through the program! Cascades has a partnership with Sedro-Woolley High School to help you earn your high school diploma. You can earn your GED right here at Cascades Job Corps Center.
Academic Programs
Whether or not you have finished high school, you can take advantage of our academic programs to brush up on your math and reading skills, or earn your GED. Job Corps' competency-based program was designed with you in mind. Our instructors have high expectations for you and are committed to your success.
Academic programs offer you training in reading, writing, math skills, work attitudes, and life skills that help you find and keep worthwhile jobs.
You earn $250 for obtaining either your GED or High School Diploma while at Cascades if you stay longer than 60 days. (Students who enter Job Corps with a GED or High School Diploma are not eligible for this bonus.) You receive a transitional allowance of $750 at the completion of your Vocational education; $1200 if you obtain a GED/HS diploma plus completing your vocation. You also earn cash bonuses and certificates for other academic accomplishments, especially improvement of TABE scores.
Testing and Placement
We require that you take the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) during the first week in Orientation. This battery of tests includes:
- Reading Comprehension
- Math Application and Computation
- Written Essay
If you score below the required competency level, you will take a quarterly TABE follow-up test every 90 days until you complete. The following classes are required if your initial academic test score shows need:
- The Reading class teaches reading comprehension and vocabulary. These skills will help to achieve a GED.
- The Math class teaches basic math skills, such as working with whole numbers, using fractions, measurements, decimals, and percentages. This class will also teach math needed for a trade.
- The Writing class teaches basic workplace communication writing skills. Letters, memos, word processing on computers, and essay writing for the GED are covered in this class.
Required if initial academic test results determine placement:
General Equivalency Diploma (GED)
The GED test is composed of five separate tests: Writing (which includes an essay), Social Studies, Science, Literature, and Math tests.
Required Classes for GED or High School Diploma:
- Math and Reading
- Career Preparation 2: Job attitudes, application forms, job listings and resumes, plus survival skills needed for everyday living in the working world. Includes skills for keeping a job.
- Leadership Training: Basic leadership skills such as goal setting, self awareness, coping, listening, speaking, teamwork, motivating yourself, responsible living, and how to deal with others positively.
- English as Second Language (ESL): This class teaches the English language focusing on work-place communication skills. It includes speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. Vocational English is also taught.
Optional Classes:
Drivers Education: (required by some vocations) Some jobs require the operation of a car or truck. Anyone may sign up if space is available, but preference will be given to those who need this class to complete their training.
High School Diploma
Students enter the high school program based upon
- Transcripts received from former high school
- Completion of GED
- Recommendation of Academic staff