Career Pathway Support Networks – Ohio Department of Education (.gov)

Ohio Adult High School Diploma Options and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

In Ohio, approximately 874,499 working-age adults have not completed a high school diploma or its equivalent. This educational gap poses significant challenges for these adults in securing employment in Ohio’s in-demand job sectors. Addressing this issue aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), by promoting inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all.

Access to Adult Diploma Programs

Ohio provides several pathways for adults to earn a high school diploma or equivalent credentials, supporting SDG 4 by ensuring inclusive education opportunities. A map of program locations is available to assist adults in finding nearby programs.

Competency-Based Diploma Pilot Program

The Competency-Based Diploma Pilot Program was designed to help Ohio adults aged 18-21, who have withdrawn from school and lack a diploma or High School Equivalence (HSE), to earn a high school diploma. This free program ran from January 10, 2024, to June 30, 2025. The initiative supports SDG 4 by fostering flexible, competency-based education models that accommodate diverse learner needs.

As of June 30, 2025, the pilot program concluded. The final report is accessible here.

Adult 22+ High School Diploma Program

This program targets adults aged 22 and older, providing opportunities to complete their high school education. It contributes to SDG 4 by enabling lifelong learning and educational attainment beyond traditional age limits.

Adult Diploma Program

The Adult Diploma Program offers job training combined with a pathway to earn a high school diploma and industry credentials. It is available to Ohio residents aged 18 or older who have withdrawn from school. This program directly supports SDG 8 by equipping adults with skills aligned to Ohio’s labor market demands, promoting decent work and economic growth.

High School Equivalency (HSE)

The Ohio High School Equivalency (HSE) program enables learners aged 18 and older, and in some cases 16-17 with approved documentation, to acquire academic skills and credentials necessary for postsecondary education and workforce development. This initiative advances SDG 4 by expanding access to recognized educational qualifications.

High School Continuation Program

The High School Continuation Program allows local school districts to issue high school diplomas to individuals aged 16 or older who meet specific requirements. This program supports SDG 4 by providing alternative pathways to educational completion.

Additional Adult Learner Resources

The Ohio Department of Higher Education offers various programs to help Ohio residents advance their skills, pursue new careers, attend college, or complete workforce certificates and degrees. These resources align with SDG 4 and SDG 8 by facilitating lifelong learning and enhancing employability.

Summary of Ohio Adult Education Programs Supporting SDGs

1. Competency-Based Diploma Pilot Program: Flexible, competency-based education for young adults (SDG 4).
2. Adult 22+ High School Diploma Program: Educational opportunities for adults over 22 (SDG 4).
3. Adult Diploma Program: Combines diploma attainment with industry credentials (SDG 4, SDG 8).
4. High School Equivalency (HSE): Academic credentialing for adults and eligible minors (SDG 4).
5. High School Continuation Program: Alternative diploma pathways for local districts (SDG 4).
6. Additional Resources: Support for career advancement and higher education (SDG 4, SDG 8).

These programs collectively contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by promoting inclusive education, reducing inequalities, and fostering economic growth through workforce development in Ohio.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • The article focuses on adult education programs in Ohio aimed at helping working-age adults earn high school diplomas or equivalents, which directly relates to ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • The programs aim to equip adults with diplomas and industry credentials aligned with in-demand jobs, enhancing their employability and contributing to sustained, inclusive economic growth and productive employment.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • By providing accessible education and training opportunities to adults who have not completed high school, the initiatives help reduce inequalities in education and employment opportunities.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.3: Ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university.
   • Target 4.4: Increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship.
   • Target 4.6: Ensure that all youth and a substantial proportion of adults, both men and women, achieve literacy and numeracy.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Target 8.6: Reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education or training.
   • Target 8.5: Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including young people and persons with disabilities.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicator 4.3.1: Participation rate of youth and adults in formal and non-formal education and training in the previous 12 months, by sex.
2. Indicator 4.4.1: Proportion of youth and adults with information and communications technology (ICT) skills, by type of skill.
3. Indicator 4.6.1: Proportion of population in a given age group achieving at least a fixed level of proficiency in functional literacy and numeracy skills.
4. Indicator 8.6.1: Proportion of youth not in education, employment or training.
5. Indicator 8.5.2: Unemployment rate, by sex, age and persons with disabilities.
6. Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50% of median income, by age, sex and persons with disabilities.

These indicators are implied through the article’s focus on adult diploma attainment, access to education, workforce readiness, and alignment with in-demand jobs.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: education.ohio.gov