You've seen the ads on TV encouraging adults to improve their lives by getting their high school diploma. You may have wondered just how much impact that diploma could have on someone's life.
Nacho Sumaya, director of the Dodge City Education Center, has the answer.
"We have studies that show that getting your high school diploma will increase your lifetime earning capacity by about $250,000," he said.
The Dodge City Education Center, located at 200 W. Comanche in Building B, can help just about anyone achieve the goal of a high school diploma.
What the center provides is a program that's computer-based and flexible. Once you're signed up, you can work at your own pace and on your own schedule.
The center is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 8 a.m. to noon Friday.
The courses are based on Dodge City High School requirements and aligned with state and national standards. High school credits previously earned will probably qualify for transfer to the center's program, and you can pick up where you left off.
All classes are in English, but bilingual instructors are on hand to help.
You can even do your class work from home or the public library — anywhere you can access the Internet.
The center is a partnership between USD 443 and the Southwest Plains Regional Service Center. The enrollment fee is $10 annually.
"Students have to be 18 years old, but we've had individuals over 50 get their diplomas — we had a mother who got her diploma the same year her daughter graduated from high school," Sumaya said.
The center has open enrollment, so you can start your customized diploma program anytime.
"If someone has finally realized that they can't go any where without a high school diploma, we will work with them and help them succeed," Sumaya said.
For more information, call the Dodge City Education Center at (620) 225-5239.
Reach Don Steele at (620) 408-9910 or e-mail him at
don.steele@dodgeglobe.com.
