Colorado Mountain College (CMC) provides two pathways for individuals to get a high school diploma or its equivalent.
First, CMC’s High School Equivalency (HSE) uses the GED (General Educational Development) curriculum, which covers mathematics, science, social studies and language arts to prepare individuals for GED testing.
The second pathway — Adult High School Diploma (AHSD) — began as a state-funded pilot program in 2019 and became law last June with the signing of Senate Bill 23-007. CMC works in partnership with the Garfield-16 (Parachute) School District and is aligned with the high school graduation requirements set forth by the Colorado Department of Education (CDE). Through CDE’s authority, CMC can issue a high school diploma.
AHSD is categorized as a non-college credit program; the only requirements are that you’re a Colorado resident and age 21 or older.
CMC was the first and is currently the only post-secondary institution in the state to offer the AHSD program.
Looking to the future
Isabelle Bones left Roaring Fork High School her freshman year and then briefly attended AmericanHomeSchools.org, an online homeschooling platform.
“I was going through a lot, so things were a little bit much. [AHSD is] a really good program, and the teachers were really awesome. Once I went to my first class, I was very interested in it,” she recalled.
“Getting my diploma helped me look forward to the future. It really made my year last year,” shared Bones. “I am interested in maybe becoming a prenatal nurse one day.”
Today, Bones is enrolled in CMC college classes. “’I know that there’s a lot more things I can do,” she said.
Mother follows suit
Julian Peña and his family came to the U.S. from Mexico when he was 15; today, he is 38. He received his high school diploma through the AHSD pilot program a couple of years ago. At the time, CMC offered the program at their Rifle campus.
“In high school, I was working a job and didn’t see the benefits of getting my diploma,” he said. “My parents tried to force me to stay, but I was like, ‘Nope,’ and kept working.”
Peña, who lives in Parachute, has three children ages 12, 8 and 6.
“Having kids, I wanted to accomplish things in life. One weekend I was sitting at home, doing nothing, and I was like, ‘I’m going to get my diploma,’” he recalled.
Reflecting back on his decision not to complete high school, Julian said, “When you’re a teenager, you don’t see these things. You realize it when you start getting older, and you see your kids accomplish things for themselves.”
Following in her son’s footsteps, Peña’s mother, Antonia, graduated alongside Bones in December 2023.
Antonia didn’t rest on her laurels after graduation. She is currently enrolled in English-1001 at CMC. On top of her day job, she makes time on Monday and Wednesday evenings for class.
“This time, it is hard for me. Sometimes I’m sad because my English is not perfect. It’s very hard for me, but it’s my dream,” she shared.
Antonia hopes to enroll in the Colorado Law Enforcement Training Academy program offered at CMC, which provides the educational framework for entry into law enforcement.
Proof of success
Last fall, CMC ran the AHSD program college-wide. In December, 85 students received their high school diplomas during a graduation ceremony at CMC’s Rifle campus.
One advantage of obtaining a GED or high school diploma from CMC is the ease of transitioning into CMC college courses. “It also offers students accessibility to a number of scholarships,” added Dwenna Holden, CMC HSE/AHSD and English language program director.
CMC provides instruction, support and testing materials in English and Spanish. Some campuses employ ESL (English as a Second Language) administrative technicians to support Spanish-speaking students in the ESL program.
“At CMC, we strive to create a sense of belonging to remove the stigma that often surrounds not completing high school. It doesn’t matter how old you are or what your circumstances are — this is for you. This is here for the taking, and we’re here to help,” Holden said.
For more information (in English and Spanish) about CMC’s AHSD and HSE/GED programs, visit www.coloradomtn.edu/classes/ged