Accelerating Opportunity: Kansas Helps Adults Earn a GED and Career Certificate at the Same Time

For many Kansans, the path back to school can feel overwhelming, especially for adults who are working toward a GED or building skills beyond a high school diploma. Accelerating Opportunity: Kansas, also known as AO-K, is designed to make that next step more accessible, supportive and career-focused.

AO-K gives students the chance to work toward their GED while also earning a certificate in a high-demand career field. That means they can build academic skills, earn college credit and work toward an industry-recognized credential all within the same program.

These pathways are offered through community and technical colleges across Kansas and are connected to high-demand, high-wage occupations. Each AO-K pathway includes at least 12 credit hours and is designed to help students prepare for employment in fields where Kansas employers need skilled workers.

One of the strengths of AO-K is the support built into the model. Courses are team-taught with a basic skills instructor, and students receive additional support such as advising, transition coaching, supplemental instruction and connections to community resources. Students are not expected to figure everything out alone.

Interested in learning more? Connect with a Navigator and find programs that fit your goals.

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