In the prior post, we took a look at recent Georgetown University Study which found that obtaining a high school diploma adds 33 percent more to your lifetime earnings.  The Georgetown study also takes a look at the advantages to having some postsecondary education.

Even if you do not earn your four-year degree, the study shows that having some postsecondary education adds nearly one quarter of a million dollars to lifetime earnings.  Annual earnings rise to $38,700 in comparison to those with a high school diploma, who earn $32,600 annually.  This is $18.69 per hour for those with some secondary education as compared to $15.67 per hour for those with a high school diploma.

Getting an Associate’s degree adds another bump of nearly $200,000 in lifetime earnings.  At $43,000 a year, those with Associate’s degrees earn nearly one-third more than those with a high school diploma.  This is $20.77 per hour.

These numbers demonstrate conclusively the advantage of some post-secondary education even without obtaining a 4-year degree.  This is encouraging news and should help motivate individuals to continue their education beyond high school because even if you fall short of achieving a four-year degree, you will still increase your earning potential.

If the increased lifetime earnings of a post-secondary degree appeal to you, and you haven’t attained your high school diploma yet, then let’s get started.  Franklin Virtual Schools Fast Track program can help you complete high school fast!

The School Mom…

E.A.R.N. (Educational Assistant Resources Network), was founded to assist low-income individuals/families and “life challenged” teens reach critical education milestones. John Martin, General Partner at Blue Martini Phoenix, found out about this organization and was ready to offer his full backing.  “I was aware of the high school dropout statistics for our country, but not as educated on the reasons why,” states Mr. Martin.  “Helping E.A.R.N. help struggling teens is simply a no-brainer,” he concludes.  Leeann Verret, of Prospect Mortgage (an event sponsor) agrees. “I truly relate to the struggles of single mothers trying to get on track by going back to school to provide a better life for their family.  I am anxious to see the impact that our “Single Mother Centerpiece” donations will make for them.”

To recap, Blue Martini “Gives Back” will be held on March 7^th, 2013, from 5PM to approximately 7:30PM.

This should be awesome,

The School Mom

A recent study coming out of Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce finds that earning power is increasingly tied to education.  Over a 40-year career, those who did not earn a high school diploma or GED® are expected to bring in $973,000, which translates into slightly more than $24,000 a year.  This is $11.70 per hour.  Obtaining a high school diploma adds 33 percent more to lifetime earnings.  The average annual earnings of people with a high school diploma are $32,600.  This is 15.67 per hour.  This study reveals that clearly the economic penalty for not finishing high school is steep – almost $9,000 a year.  I think this is something that common-sense wise we all knew, but to actually see the dollar amounts attached to it is very eye-opening.  If you do not have your high school diploma or GED®, maybe seeing this report coming out of Georgetown University will help motivate you to take that first step to complete your high school education.  A better job with higher pay awaits you!

Stay tuned…

The School Mom

The School Mom

Until next week….

The School Mom

Until next week….

The School Mom

What do these childhood favorites have to do with an online high school?  Well, our friends at Franklin Virtual Schools got a call last week from an out-of-work Hostess employee.  They laid off 18,500 workers when they shut their doors, not to mention the devastation that they are causing children (and, actually, some adults) who no longer have their Twinkies!

This former Hostess employee told Franklin that he had never completed his High School Diploma because he felt he had a secure job. Unfortunately, he was wrong and now he needs the diploma to interview and compete for a good job.  Well, he came to the right place by calling Franklin and he won’t be alone.

Even if you think your job is secure, you’re content, and it doesn’t really matter that you weren’t able to complete your high school education, it might be a good time to reassess that position and give some thought to completing it.  That way if the job you thought would always be there for you ends up disappearing quickly and unexpectedly, you can be prepared for the next step.

Until next week….

The School Mom

Until next week….

The School Mom

To help identify those truly in need of these scholarships, EARN is also partnering with organizations that are reaching out to those challenged and struggling to get on track and become a contributing part of their community – those who are unemployed, chemically dependent, exploited, abused, cast aside, or homeless. Some people have just simply reached a point of desperation and need to know someone cares.  All of these individuals would greatly benefit by completing a high school education or equivalency or from obtaining trade-specific learning certificates.

EARN has partnered with Franklin Virtual High School, Franklin Adult Continuing Education and other national private school programs to accomplish this mission. David Hooser, CEO of Franklin Virtual High school, explains – “As an EARN partner, we offer the ideal solution for recipient/partner organizations that can’t provide or easily support a complete education platform (including high school and trade-specific training solutions.) Such partnerships will help given constituencies be ready for gainful employment and a life of true independence.”

EARN scholarships are offered to students of all ages striving to complete a high school level education. If you are interested, you will need the complete the EARN Scholarship Qualification Application.  Although not all applicants will receive a scholarship, all applications will be equally reviewed and considered by the EARN Awards Committee.  Make sure you fully complete the application and the required written sections that describe your present financial situation, unique qualifications and goals essay. EARN is making a difference in the lives of so many people by offering resources and education solutions.  Maybe it can make a difference in your life, too!

Until next week….

The School Mom

First, you should only register with a school that has accreditation by a regionally recognized accreditor.  That way you can be assured you will receive an education from a quality school.  Many online schools will state that they are accredited when really they have just created their own accrediting program.  Although it is legal to not be accredited, falsely claiming accreditation is illegal and against Federal Trade Commission Regulations.  A school’s accreditation must be recognized by CHEA (Council for Higher Education Accreditation) in order to claim and advertise accreditation.

Secondly, if the program looks too easy or talks about crediting “life experience” those are good signs that you are not receiving an education of real value.  It takes hard work and dedication to attain your education!

In addition, you should be able to contact the school administration directly.  You should be dealing with “real people” who care about your success and are available to help you. Many of these fake schools are located in Pakistan and don’t even speak your language!

These tips will help guide you in choosing a trustworthy and accredited online school like Franklin Virtual Schools.

Until next week….

The School Mom