This morning, Governor Terry Branstad signed into law House File 473, expanding pathways to achieve a high school equivalency diploma, a key legislative priority for United Way of Central Iowa and several state partners.

“This is an incredible opportunity for more central Iowans to achieve a high school equivalency diploma and be on a path to financial stability,” said Elisabeth Buck, Chief Community Impact Officer for United Way of Central Iowa. “The additional pathways recognize the diverse needs of our adult learners, while continuing to place high standards on achieving a degree. It also benefits employers who are seeking skilled workers.”

The law adopts the recommendation of the High School Equivalency Diploma Task Force to recognize Iowa community colleges’ adult diploma programs. These programs offer the ability to bundle prior high school coursework with secondary or postsecondary education courses.

40 percent of Iowans who have dropped out of high school are less than one course away from attaining their high school diploma. Currently, the only way to achieve a high school equivalency diploma is by taking HiSET classes and passing the HiSET assessments. 

By 2025, 68 percent of all jobs in Iowa will require some postsecondary training or education. Yet, more than 200,000 Iowans over age 18 currently do not have a high school diploma or equivalency.

“Those who have a high school diploma earn significantly more throughout their lifetime than those without it,” said Buck. “This law has been a key priority for United Way to support achieving our goal of increasing the percentage of central Iowans who are financially self-sufficient to 75 percent by 2020.”

Last year, United Way of Central Iowa launched Bridges to Success, an initiative to assist 10,000 adults in earning their high school equivalency diploma by 2020 through innovative solutions such as supportive coaching. 

About United Way
Since 1917, United Way of Central Iowa (UWCI) has brought together individuals, employers, and organizations from throughout central Iowa to create and implement initiatives focused on making lasting impact in the areas of education, income, and health. UWCI is a "Collective Impact" organization, bringing together nonprofits, businesses, government, and community leaders to collaborate and implement solutions to tackle our community's most critical issues. Learn more at www.unitedwaydm.org.

Media Contact:
Sarah Welch
s.welch@unitedwaydm.org
515-246-6520 (o)
515-314-7966 (c)
Sarah Welch

Written by Sarah Welch

Sarah Welch is the former Strategic Communications Officer at United Way of Central Iowa.

UNITED WAY OF CENTRAL IOWA
1111 9TH ST  •  Suite 100
Des Moines, IA 50314
(515) 246-6500   •   contactus@unitedwaydm.org

Need Help? Dial 2-1-1

211 Iowa - Get Connected, Get Help
 

 

 

Charity Navigator four star rated charity badgeUnited Way of Central Iowa is proud to have earned a four-star rating for 18 straight years from Charity Navigator, an American independent charity watchdog organization that evaluates charitable organizations in the United States. This record places United Way of Central Iowa in the top 1 percent of charities nationwide. Click the logo to review our complete evaluation.

candid-seal-platinum-2024United Way of Central Iowa has received a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar, the world's largest source of information on nonprofit organizations. The seal is given to nonprofits who have achieved the highest level of transparency through disclosures, information made available to the public, and accuracy and frequency of updates. Click the logo to learn more.

© 2024 United Way of Central Iowa. All Rights Reserved.

Privacy Policy