The duo plans to provide a very supportive environment that encourages people of all ages to use the program. The oldest graduate to date in the Greenbush program is 59, but that record is certain to be broken in Franklin County. Many senior citizens had very legitimate reasons for not earning a degree, this project could be their second chance to grab the elusive golden ring. The Ottawa High School diploma won't be easily earned, but nothing worth doing well is going to be easy. Students at the Diploma Center must complete the same course work, tests and assignments as other high school students, but can do it at their own pace.
Students have an unlimited amount of time to complete the courses necessary to earn their diploma.
The program will be jointly funded by the school system and the Southeast Kansas Education Service Center, also known as Greenbush, but will serve students from an unlimited geographic area. The center will be one of 10 in Kansas. The Ottawa program hopes to sign up 43 students before classes begin Sept. 5. Many adults who didn't complete their high school education for one reason or another will now have a golden opportunity to do so. Completing their education can open new horizons and build on adults' existing capabilities to improve their self-confidence.