King County is helping young people who have not completed high school but want to attain the General Educational Development (GED) or high school diploma and go on to college or a better job through services at Learning Center North and YouthSource.

Learning Center North and YouthSource provide different services supporting young adults toward their goals in secondary education through a successful model of Leadership, Career Development, and support to and through college.

The program helps young people earn their High School Equivalency Certificate and overcome barriers such as housing, employment, behavioral health, and transportation, to achieve their goals.

“This program has helped me gain confidence and has taught me valuable skills that have helped me grow as a person and prepared me to be an employee,” Asia Whitaker, Work Experience Participant I with the Department of Community and Human Services, said.

The services are available to youth ranging from 16-24 years of age. The programs are free-of-charge and enrollment is ongoing year-round. Opportunities include tuition-free college up to the age of 21, and help with financial aid and scholarship applications, paid internships, ongoing case management, job readiness training, employment and career counseling, and public speaking presentations. Both sites also offer behavioral health such as counseling services and some emergency financial assistance.

There are two different locations for the Learning Centers: Shoreline Community College and Seattle Central College. YouthSource is in Tukwila. The programs are a great way for youth to develop themselves and remove academic or other barriers that prevent them from accessing rewarding careers and reaching their full potential. Click here to learn more.