Got a Question? Start Here.
WHAT’S A GED? WHAT IS HISET?
GED stands for “General Educational Development,” and for many years taking and passing the GED test was the way people who didn’t graduate got a high school equivalent education credential.
The GED is no longer used in Louisiana. It has been replaced with another nationally recognized high school equivalency exam called Hi-SET, which stands for “High School Equivalency Test.”
WHAT IS JUMP START?
Jump Start is Louisiana’s innovative career and technical education (CTE) program for high school students. Jump Start prepares students to lead productive adult lives, capable of continuing their education after high school while earning certifications in high-wage career sectors. Students are required to attain industry-promulgated, industry-valued credentials in order to graduate with a Career Diploma. (Jump Start is an elective path for students pursuing a university-preparatory diploma.) Click here to see if Jump Start is in your area.
WHAT IS LCTCS?
LCTCS is the Louisiana Community and Technical College System, and it was established in 1999. LCTCS includes 13 colleges located conveniently across the state, offering a wide variety of programs that are the starting points for high-value careers. To see some of them, click here.
DO I NEED TO GRADUATE FROM A 4-YEAR UNIVERSITY TO GET A GOOD JOB?
No, there are a variety of educational paths you can take that will provide the basic skills and knowledge you need to get a good job. There are many high-value jobs like engineers, social workers and accountants that do require 4-year college degrees. However, there are many more high-value jobs and careers that require some type of education beyond high school — but not a 4-year degree. A few good examples include: machinists and welders, mechanical drafters, PTEC operators, web developers, and radiologic technologists. The important thing is to find something that matches your interests. To figure out what works best for you, start .
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Louisiana Calling
9331 Bluebonnet Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70810
1-844-LA-CALLS (1-844-522-2557)
Everyone Has a Calling.
Louisiana Calling’s mission is to develop and conduct a multiyear public messaging campaign that includes traditional media, new media, and on-the-ground resources and strategic partnerships – all designed to help Louisianans discover and appreciate the many educational pathways that lead to high-value jobs and sustainable careers available in Louisiana today. This regional campaign will be complemented by Louisiana Calling’s statewide media campaign and website.