AHSEP Youth HSE Program

This program is one of several alternative high school education programs (AHSEP) in the district that help students obtain a high school diploma. Our district's priority is supporting students through pathways to a high school diploma with the HSE program being a final option for those who need it. Students who come to our program are first supported to ensure their reading and math levels are at a high school level. The program then supports students with the GED curriculum, so that they will be able to pass the online GED Exam.

Students who come to our program must be:

• 17 years or older
• In their senior year cohort (2024-2025 or earlier)
• Be credit deficient (7 credit hours or less)
• Be a Syracuse Resident.
• Approved to be part of the program by the district.

Just like the school district, Youth GED Students:

• Receive free breakfast and/or lunch.
• Support from a school nurse when not feeling well.
• Updates and implementation of Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and 504 plans.
• Opportunities to participate in senior events and walk their stage with their high school.

Students and Parents/Guardians who believe this may be an opportunity for success should:

1. Contact their high school principal and their counselor to explain the interest. 
2. Students who moved to the City of Syracuse and meet the same requirements above should reach out to SCSD Central Registration to schedule an appointment to be enrolled.
Please note: We do not accept walk-ins. All students must go through central registration or their current high school.  
 
Youth HSE Program Locations

We have various locations based on student needs. We have students who come from traditional and non-traditional high school settings, need ENL language support, are incarcerated or are in special settings to support them with smaller class sizes.

Traditional HSE Program
Johnson Center (Also known as PFLA)
573 E, Genesee Street, Syracuse, New York 13202
 
English as a New Language (ENL) HSE program
STEAM @ Dr. King
416 E. Raynor Street, Syracuse, New York 13202
 
Incarcerated Youth Virtual High School and HSE Program
Onondaga County Justice Center (OCJC)
555 S. State Street, Syracuse New York 13202
 
Alternative HSE Program
Various Locations
 
Ways Parents and Community Can Support Students in an HSE Program
 
For Parents:

• Provide a supportive learning environment at home: Set aside a quiet study space, help with time management by setting up reasonable routines to complete work, and encouraging regular attendance in classes.
• Encourage Aztec Learning Online Tutoring at Home: All students have access to an online tutorial program that helps them with their reading, math, and GED needs. Encourage a minimum of 30 minutes a day or at least 1 activity.
• Show interest in their studies: Ask about what they're learning and celebrate their achievements. You don’t need to know subject material to engage them in their learning.
• Stay connected with the program: Stay connected to the teacher, program facilitator and director,  and stay informed about program updates and resources. They will make time for you if you reach out to communicate.
• Encourage perseverance: HSE programs can be challenging. Remind your child of their goals, help them overcome obstacles, and celebrate their progress.
• Address basic needs: Ensure your child has access to nutritious food, adequate sleep, and transportation to classes. If you look on the bottom of the website, there is community resources and case managers who can support you and your child getting basic needs met. We are happy to help you.

 
For the Community:

• Offer tutoring and mentoring: Volunteers can provide academic support, help with test preparation, and offer guidance and encouragement. We welcome volunteers who are willing to go through a background check and are reviewed by the district.
• Provide resources and support services: This could include access to computers, internet, transportation assistance, childcare, and financial aid information. We are always looking for support to give our students foundational assistance.
• Create awareness and reduce stigma: Promote the value of HSE programs and challenge negative perceptions surrounding them. Did you know that students go to college, enter the trades and apprenticeships, and get good jobs with an HSE diploma?
• Partner with local businesses: Offer internships, apprenticeships, and job shadowing opportunities to HSE students. We need businesses to help our students be invested, civic minded members of society. Part of this is workforce experience.
• Advocate for funding and policy support: Lobby for increased resources and policies that support adult education and HSE programs. If you believe there is a grant or support that would help our students, please reach out to the program.
• Celebrate success stories: Share stories of HSE graduates who have achieved their goals to inspire current students. There are many that need to be told and the determination it took to complete,