Young people with less than a high school diploma or GED have a 346% higher risk of experiencing homelessness. Education disrupts the cycle of homelessness and enables young people to discover their interests and pursue their passions. YouthCare’s education programs focus on helping homeless youth overcome barriers to educational achievement. Many young people are experiencing school success for the first time. They are welcomed into a classroom environment that encourages diverse learning styles, provides individualized instruction, and builds confidence for every student.

High School Completion

YouthCare offers three small and supportive high school completion and GED programs where young people can receive individualized instruction, work with tutors, and get connected to post-secondary navigation and support.

  • Interagency Academy at YouthCare’s Orion Center: This GED program is run in partnership with Seattle Public School’s Interagency Academy and serves young people ages 16-24 who are students at the Interagency Academy or engaged in YouthCare’s services.
  • Interagency Academy at Casa de los Amigos: This high school completion program is run in partnership with Seattle Public Schools Interagency Academy. It provides individualized bilingual instruction at YouthCare’s Casa de los Amigos program where young people can build their language skills and earn their high school diploma.
  • YouthBuild GED: This program is run in partnership with South Seattle College. Young people who are participating in YouthCare’s YouthBuild program receive classroom instruction on campus while earning their GED and college credit.

Post-Secondary Success

YouthCare works to ensure every young person who has completed their high school diploma or GED has the support they need to pursue their post-secondary goals.

  • Post-Secondary Navigation: YouthCare partners with Northwest Education Access (NWEA) to ensure each young person has the opportunity to pursue higher education. Through NWEA, students work with an education advocate who provides individualized ongoing support.
  • Tutoring: YouthCare’s incredible volunteers work within our shelter and housing programs to provide onsite secondary and post-secondary tutoring and ensure young people have the skills to achieve their educational dreams.

To support YouthCare’s education services, click here to make a gift.