YOUR NEXT STEP STARTS HERE
Before you make a final decision, get support.
You do not have to solve everything today. Start with one conversation, one accurate review of your options, and one next step you can manage.
Start with a trusted adult
Choose one adult who will listen without judging—a school counselor, teacher, coach, administrator, family member, mentor, social worker, or program adviser.
“I am thinking about leaving school because things are not working. Before I decide, I need help understanding every option available to me.”
Ask for these five things
- A written credit and graduation review
- Credit-recovery, attendance-recovery, summer, evening, online, and alternative-school options
- Programs that fit work, transportation, housing, health, or family responsibilities
- Exact age, enrollment, testing, cost, and deadline requirements
- A follow-up meeting and the name of the person responsible for the next step
If you feel unsafe or overwhelmed
If you are in immediate danger, call 911. If you are experiencing emotional distress or a suicidal crisis in the United States or its territories, call or text 988, or use the confidential online chat. Support is available 24 hours a day.
Bridge to Diploma is an educational resource and does not provide emergency or crisis services.
Considering a GED?
A GED or other high-school-equivalency pathway may be appropriate for some students, but requirements and long-term effects vary. Compare it with diploma, alternative-school, adult-education, and career-training options before enrolling.
Write down your next step
- The adult I will contact:
- The question I need answered:
- The date I will follow up:
- The option I want to investigate first:
You do not need the whole map. You need the next bridge.