Making Math Fun through the High School Equivalency (HSE) Credential Program

The CLC's High School Equivalency (HSE) Credential Program helps students prepare to take their GED or HiSET test. After passing one of these tests, students earn their High School Equivalency (HSE) Credential. Earning the HSE Credential is the same as getting a high school diploma.

Students need to pass several subject tests to earn their HSE Credential. Passing the math part of the HSE exam is a big obstacle for many of our students.

 “I was able to pass four of the HiSET subject tests, until I encountered math!" says JJ, a recent graduate from the HSE Credential Program. "Math was so difficult - it was my arch nemesis! I could not have passed the test without my CLC math teachers, like Karen.”

Volunteer class aides help support teachers by providing extra support to students during class time. Spencer is a class aide in the HSE program's intermediate math class.

“Math is my passion. I am an electrical engineer, and I like being able to contribute to my community,” says Spencer. "I want to empower students by giving them the tools they need to learn and reach their goals."

Earning a HSE can fundamentally change someone’s life. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median weekly earning with less than a high school diploma is $708. With a high school diploma or HSE, people make $899 a week on average. With a 2-year associates degree, the median weekly earnings are $1,058.

Math classes at the CLC help students prepare for the HSE exams. They also help them develop the practical math skills they can use in their personal lives and at work.

“The students who show up for class are really committed and motivated. They want to learn, and I can help them,” says Spencer. “I can show how math can be fun and how it connects to real life!”

If you would like to earn your HSE credential – the CLC can help you! 

Learn more at an upcoming information session:

• Tuesday, February 4, 12 - 1 p.m. on Zoom
• Wednesday, February 5, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. on Zoom
• Tuesday, February 11, 6 - 8 p.m. at the Community Learning Center, 5 Western Ave.
• Monday, February 24, 1 - 2 p.m. on Zoom
• Thursday, February 27, 3 - 4 p.m. on Zoom

Sign up for an information session

Photo: Karen, a CLC Math Teacher in the HSE Credential Program, teaches an algebra problem to students.