Through the end of 2020, adults looking to earn their high school equivalency diploma will be able to do so completely free of charge.
Due to the CARES Act — a recent move by the federal government to provide emergency funding to businesses and educational institutions during to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic — and the Indiana Department of Workforce Development, the Crawfordsville Adult Resource Academy is able to waive the $95 High School Eqivalency Diploma fee through December.
“It’s not just what it means to me, it’s what it means to everyone who takes the test,” CARA student Gavin Winn said. “Some people who couldn’t take the test before have the opportunity now (and) to evolve with their education.
“It plays a big role for me because that was a big obstacle ... and now I get to get it finished.”
Students who enroll at CARA or other adult-education programs often go on to college or earn one of the many certifications offered through local and state-wide programs, Adult Education Director Kathy Tobias said.
“We have never charged for anything,” she said. “Any student who comes into our program, and we get them to the HSE, is free.”
Though classes have always been free, the HSE test included a $95 fee. But since the testing fee has been waived, adults may earn their diploma or certification without a penny out of pocket.
“One of my biggest goals in life is to get my education — it’ll make me feel like I’ve accomplished something,” CARA student Alexis Rugh said. “I’m tired of working in factories. I’m 21 years old, I’m still young and I’ve got potential to do whatever I want. After I get my HSE here then I’m actually gonna go to college and continue to work on my future.”
Though Rugh is undecided on her area of study while in college, she and others in her family have a history with interior design.
And with her HSE, doors are beginning to open, she said.
“I’ve always had that creative mindset, just like my mom,” Rugh said. “I don’t know yet. The options are limitless.”
Certification programs offered at nearby institutions in conjunction with CARA, such as Area 30 in Greencastle and the Warren County Learning Center, include welding, mill operation and heating and cooling.
And now is a great time to pursue an HSE, Tobias said. The academy is governed by the Crawfordsville School Corporation and now offers the same remote-learning opportunities as the school due to the pandemic.
“Now we have exactly what the schools are offering: We have students who want online (learning) and students who want face to face,” she said. “What matters is that they come back and get it done.”
Phones have been ringing more since the $95 fee waiver was announced. Now, Tobias said, the trick is to spread the word as much as possible.
“We’re picking up (but) it’s hard for us — I don’t think a lot of people know that we’re here,” she said.
Those looking to enroll at CARA may do so by calling in and making an appointment where they can speak with Tobias about their goals.
“We try to get them in the next day or whenever they’re available,” Tobias said. “I do an orientation on intake — one on one with everything wiped down and cleaned — and just talk to them about what they want and what they want to do after they get their HSE, and then they choose the option of how they want to go — mornings, nights or online.”
Applying for enrollment at CARA will be even easier in the near future, she added, with an upcoming website specifically for CARA.
For now, more information can be found through the Crawfordsville Schools website at www.cville.k12.in.us or by calling CARA at 765-362-2690.
Classes are offered 8:30 a.m. to noon and again from 1-4 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Night classes are offered 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays. English is also taught as a second language 5:30-8:30 p.m. Thursdays.
The HSE is an alternative to earning a high school diploma and the test is based on five areas of study: Math, reading, writing, science and social studies.
