DOWNEY -- Downey Adult School held its commencement ceremony June 16 on campus, where a record 78 adult learners received their diplomas. 

Of the 78 students who walked across the stage, 28 received their high school diploma and 50 received their GED (General Education Diploma). 

“With the help of an exceptional group of instructors, mentors and an outstanding group of students, the High School Diploma program has exceeded all of our expectations,” said DAS Principal Blanca Rochin. “I heartily congratulate all DAS High School Diploma and GED recipients for their success and choosing to continue their education here at DAS.”

After implementing an online high school diploma program in 2014, the graduation rate at DAS has doubled. Similarly, the GED program offers a Study at Home Program that allows students to fit studying time into their busy schedules. 

Downey Adult School also partnered with Cerritos College on the Bridge Program, which helps prepare its adult learners for the transition to further education or career programs. Students are directly contacted and receive assistance with assessment tests, financial aid and enrollment.

This year, there are close to a dozen adults learners enrolled in the program. 

During the commencement ceremony, a number of graduates received nearly $6,200 in scholarship funds donated by various community partners such as the Downey Education Association, Women’s Club of Downey and Delta Kappa Gamma. These funds will help students as they transition into career programs or further their education post-graduation. 

Through the accelerated Transitional Fast Track Program, students earn their high school diploma by completing one course at a time within five to 10 weeks. All of the a-g courses meet the University of California and California State University requirements and align with the California Common Core Standards that were implemented within Downey Unified in 2014.

Courses that are offered include English, Math, Biology, Economics and Career Explorations. Students must register at DAS and are required to pay a $49 registration fee upon enrollment. 

In addition, the online GED program offers adult students online test prep courses in English and Spanish at the DAS Learning Center or at home to prepare students for the GED, HiSet and TASC exams. Students who choose to complete their test prep at home must enroll in the Edgenuity software program where online teachers guide the learner through the courses.

Students must register at DAS and pay a nominal registration fee upon enrollment that includes four free official GED Ready Practice Tests. 

Downey Adult School is accredited by Western Association of Schools and Colleges and the Council on Occupational Education. 

For more information about DAS and its variety of programs, be sure to visit the adult school website at www.das.edu/.