Penn Foster’s Accelerated High School Learning Program Benefits Students Impacted by Elimination of Ability-to-Benefit Test

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Penn Foster High School, the leading distance learning high school in the U.S., today announced more options for individuals looking for career training and advancement. Penn Foster’s new Accelerated High School Learning Program can be used by students to earn their high school diploma on their way to post-secondary education. Many of these students previously used the Ability-to-Benefit test, which was eliminated in July 2012. The test once allowed students to apply for federal financial aid for post-secondary education, even if they had not earned a high school diploma or GED.

“We are very excited to help these driven students complete their high school education, a milestone along the path to their successful future”

“We are very excited to help these driven students complete their high school education, a milestone along the path to their successful future,” says Joe Gagnon, President and COO of Penn Foster. “The elimination of the Ability-to-Benefit test is having a significant impact on both colleges and their students, as schools struggle to replace lost enrollments and students have trouble finding post-secondary education opportunities. Penn Foster’s Accelerated High School Learning Program is opening doors for these students, allowing them to achieve their educational goals.”

Without the Ability-to-Benefit test, students lacking a high school diploma or a GED who wish to continue their education face limited post-secondary educational options. Penn Foster High School, the largest high school in the U.S. with more than 43,000 students, is using the Accelerated High School Learning Program to bring educational opportunities back to these students.

Through college sponsorship, students enrolled in the program enjoy a hybrid learning experience that combines online coursework with on-campus labs at the college two to three times per week, allowing them to experience the flexibility of online learning as well as the rich feel of a campus community. Students can complete the program at an accelerated pace based on previous coursework completed. They are then eligible to fill out applications for federal financial aid and go on to complete their post-secondary studies at the sponsoring college.

Adopting Penn Foster’s Accelerated High School Learning Program also allows institutions to educate students using the easy-to-implement Penn Foster system. Penn Foster’s cost effective program includes transcript evaluation, dedicated admissions counselors, study materials and student support.

About Penn Foster

Founded in 1890, Penn Foster has been a leader in career-focused distance and hybrid learning for more than 100 years. Since its inception, more than 13 million people have enrolled in its high school, career school and college to learn advanced skills, further their education and better position them for life success. Today, Penn Foster graduates 25,000 students yearly and enrolls more than 100,000 new students each year in programs designed to address the skills gap in middle skilled careers. Penn Foster’s high-quality, affordable distance education allows students the flexibility to complete programs around their schedules with 24/7 access to a supportive online community of students and faculty. For more information, visit www. pennfoster.edu.