If you left school before earning your diploma, you still have options. Completing your education can help you meet requirements for employment, career training and further study.

Explore the GED

The GED covers math, language arts, science and social studies. You can take the subject tests separately. Visit the official GED website for preparation and registration information, or review the test subjects .

Fees and eligibility vary by state. Check GED pricing and state rules and online testing availability before scheduling. Use CareerOneStop’s state directory to explore other accepted equivalency pathways.

Help Through Manpower

Eligible associates working through participating Manpower offices may qualify for the MyPath GED Program , which offers study materials, assessments, test vouchers and advisor support. Confirm eligibility and participation with your local office.

Build Skills or Earn a Diploma

Ask your library, community college or adult education center about basic reading, writing and math classes. Gale Presents: Excel Adult High School is a separate online diploma pathway through participating libraries. Scholarships may cover enrollment for eligible adults. Review the program FAQs and ask your library about availability.

Your education should support the work you want to pursue. That may mean a career certificate, an associate degree or a four-year degree. Start by comparing programs that fit your goals, schedule and budget.

Find a Community College

Community colleges offer degree programs and career certificates that prepare students for specific types of work. Some programs also provide a pathway to transfer to a four-year college or university.

Use the American Association of Community Colleges’ College Finder to locate schools across the United States. Contact individual schools to ask about admission requirements, program costs and financial aid.

Ask About Support Before Enrolling

If you are returning from incarceration or getting back into education after time away, ask the school what support is available. Questions might include help with applications, academic advising, tutoring and career planning.

Before choosing a program, confirm whether it meets the requirements for the work you want to pursue. Ask about any licensing or background requirements that could affect your career plans.

Legal Studies While Incarcerated

Blackstone Career Institute’s Correspondence Paralegal Certificate Program introduces legal concepts and practices through correspondence coursework for incarcerated learners.

Confirm tuition, admission requirements and your facility’s rules for receiving educational materials before enrolling. Ask how the coursework supports your plans for employment or continued education after release.

Interested in a trade but need help preparing? Pre-apprenticeship programs help you build skills for entry into a registered apprenticeship or other employment opportunities.

Programs may combine classroom instruction with hands-on learning. Depending on the provider, training can include basic academic skills, workplace expectations, safety and introductory skills for a trade.

Ask community colleges, trade unions and nonprofit training providers about local options. Confirm tuition, tools and equipment costs, available financial assistance and how graduates connect with apprenticeships.

Contact an American Job Center near you for help finding programs and possible training assistance.

A registered apprenticeship combines paid work experience, instruction and mentorship. You develop job skills, receive wage increases as you progress and earn a nationally recognized credential upon completion.

Use the Apprenticeship Job Finder to explore opportunities by career interest and location, then apply through the employer or program sponsor.

You can also contact local trade unions, training centers or an American Job Center . Ask about starting wages, program length, transportation, equipment and education requirements.

If you are returning from incarceration, confirm any background or licensing requirements for the specific role.

You may be ready to work without having every skill an employer needs. On-the-job training, or OJT, allows eligible participants to earn wages while learning a specific job.

Through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) , local workforce programs can help participating employers hire and train workers, including eligible people returning from incarceration.

An employer hires you as a paid employee and provides training under an approved plan. The workforce program reimburses part of the employer’s training costs. Training length depends on the job and your experience. The goal is continued employment, though a permanent position is not guaranteed.

Ask your local American Job Center about eligibility and participating employers. Your Workforce Development Board can also provide information about local OJT services.

Remote opportunities include employee positions, freelance projects and independent contractor work. Compare the pay, schedule, equipment needs and location requirements before applying.

Remote Job Resources

• FlexJobs : a subscription-based resource for remote and flexible jobs. Review pricing and renewal terms.
• Rat Race Rebellion : remote job leads and work-from-home resources.
• National Telecommuting Institute : training and job placement assistance for Americans with disabilities.
• Foundever : customer service career listings. Check each role for remote availability.

Freelance and Contract Work

• Upwork : freelance projects in areas such as writing, design, administration and technology.
• Liveops : independent contractor opportunities in customer service and related fields.
• Arise Work From Home : customer support opportunities for independent service providers.
• Working Solutions : remote customer service contract opportunities.

Confirm whether you would be an employee or contractor, how pay is calculated, whether training is paid and which expenses you would cover. A remote listing does not automatically mean second chance hiring.

Recognize Job Scams

Verify openings through official company websites. Be cautious about unexpected offers, requests to send money or instructions to deposit checks to buy equipment. Use BBB Scam Tracker to research reported scams.