What is the Early School Leaver Program?
The Early School Leavers Program is a state funded cooperative vocational education program designed to assist high school non-completers between the ages of 16-21 with re-entry into the educational system. The program assists students to obtain unsubsidized employment and job placement.

What is Cooperative Education?
Cooperative Education is designed to provide employment skills as a concurrent and integral part of the student’s educational program in a number of career areas. Students are placed in an approved employment situation mutually agreed upon by the student, college staff, and employer, with the opportunity for the student to apply knowledge and be exposed to work methods unavailable in the classroom. The College Advisor develops with each student a written educational/career plan, including performance-based measurable objectives. Guidance and supervision is regularly provided by college staff members who visit students at work and confer with the employer, measure progress, and ensure a beneficial experience to all parties concerned with the student’s progress.

What are the Requirements for the Program?
-Enroll in a GED program (at Malcolm X College or Westside Learning Center) or Alternative High School
-Register for and consistently attend all GED classes
-Score at a 9th grade reading level on the placement test
-Register for and consistently attend an Academic and Career Development Course
-Actively search for employment opportunities and meet with College Advisor for job search assistance
-Complete regular visits with a College Advisor (once a week is required).

How Can I Apply?
-Complete a student information card to obtain a student number and receive testing information (Room 1502)
-Complete GED placement test to determine academic skill level
-Complete Early School Leaver Application (if under 18 parent or legal guardian should sign the application)
-Obtain a “Release Letter” from your previous high school, indicating you are no longer a student at your previous high school (if you cannot obtain this letter, acceptance into the program can still be granted)
-Schedule an applicant interview/intake with a College Advisor
-Attend an information/orientation for all students admitted into the program
-Obtain a class schedule of GED course and Early School Leaver Course (Career Development or College Success Seminar)

How Can I Enroll In GED Classes?
-Report to Room 1502 during Registration (please contact 312-850-7300 or 312-850-7007 for registration dates; for students interested in attending GED classes at the Westside Learning Center contact 312-850-7420)
-Complete registration card to obtain a student ID (bring a valid photo ID)
-Report for placement testing (tests are conducted on Mon or Tues at 8:30am or 4:30pm)
-Meet with GED department to enroll in classes and receive orientation and class start dates

Additional Services Available
-Computer Lab access and assistance
-Tutoring services
-Workforce Development
-Library Access
-Financial Aid Services
-Disability Access Center

Program Application

ESL Presentaion (Use this link if you have Powerpoint installed)
ESL Presentation (Use this link if DO NOT have Powerpoint installed. Expect Windows Warning)

Who Do I Contact?

Kathy M. Freeman, M.Ed., M.S.
College Advisor
New Student Service Center Room 1502
Telephone: 312 850-7150
Fax: 312 850-7160
: kfreeman17@ccc.edu