Photos: Gov. Ivey signing HB266 accompanied by ACCS Communications and Public Relations Coordinator for Adult Education, Letrice Ware; Vice Chancellor of Adult Education and Correctional Education, David Walters; and Alabama House Representative Matt Woods.

Governor Kay Ivey signed the REACH Act into law during a signing ceremony Monday, June 9. The REACH Act expands the High School Diploma Options (HSDO) program which through Alabama’s community colleges, gives former Alabama high school students who did not complete their high school education, the opportunity to receive their original diploma from the high school they once attended—no matter how many years have passed.

“Anyone willing to do what’s necessary to better their situation shouldn’t be held back by an unfortunate event or decision made during their teenage years. One of the best parts of Alabama’s community colleges is that we meet our students where they are, and the REACH Act will allow more students to take advantage of the Alabama High School Diploma Option Program offered through the ACCS Adult Education Division,” said Jimmy Baker, Chancellor of the Alabama Community College System (ACCS).

The bill was drafted by former ACCS Board of Trustees member and current Alabama State Representative, Matt Woods, and lowers the age of eligibility for the program from 19 to 18. The new law requires the State Department of Education to share information about students who have dropped out with ACCS so that these students do not slip through the cracks and requires that students be informed about non-traditional high school diplomas and other adult education programs during their exit interview as part of the dropout process.

“We all know that dropping out of high school is truly a fork-in-the-road moment. For many, it was the moment that their prospects took a turn for the worse. Dropping out increases the likelihood of poverty, criminality, and lifelong instability and should not be a life-ending decision,” said Woods. “The best route to success will always include a high school diploma.”

HSDO is an extension of the Adult Education program. Students who failed the exit exam or dropped out of high school with at least 12 credits can enroll and receive their HS diploma in lieu of a GED certificate. This is an enticing option due to completers receiving a diploma with the actual school, even if the school is no longer operating, and becoming an alum.

Between Jan 1 – December 1, 2024, 301 students earned their high school diploma through the HSDO program, including Allison Davenport who received her HS Diploma through the HSDO in December of 2024 from Trenholm State Community College in Montgomery. Davenport would have graduated from Carver Senior High school in Montgomery, AL in1997.

“I always promised myself that if I ever got the chance, I would go back and earn my high school diploma—and I finally did,” said Alison Davenport. “The HSDO Program has given me the opportunity to fulfill my dreams. Knowing that when I attend alumni weekend and football games, I can proudly say that I am an official alumna of George Washington Carver Senior High School—it means everything to me.”

Since July 1, 2024, 679 Adult Ed students have enrolled in HSDO and are pursuing their high school diploma through Alabama’s community and technical colleges and community programs.

“This program is one of the most impactful initiatives within the Adult Education Division of Alabama Community College System,” said David Walters, ACCS Vice Chancellor of Adult and Correctional Education. “This provides Alabamians with a second chance to complete what they started, empowering them with new opportunities for personal and professional growth.”

For more information on the ACCS High School Diploma Option program, visit https://www.accs.edu/adulteducation/high-school-diploma-option/.