It’s Never Too Late: High School Equivalency Opens Doors to Opportunity

Life doesn’t always follow a traditional path, and for many adults, earning a high school diploma is one goal that gets put on hold. If you’re ready to rewrite that story, TMCC’s Adult Basic Education (ABE) program offers High School Equivalency (HSE) to get you on your way.

Through free instruction, personalized support and flexible scheduling, the program prepares you to earn your HSE credential, opening the door to college, career training, apprenticeships, military service and new career opportunities. 

"A lot of what we do is personalized, as far as providing instruction, so that you can not only get their high school diploma, but also maybe walk away with a certificate that will get them into the door with high-demand industry here within Reno and Sparks," said Alex Harris, Director of ABE.

Meeting Students Where They Are

Harris explains that adult learners often balance work, family responsibilities and unexpected life circumstances while pursuing their education. Harris says flexibility is essential to helping students succeed.

"I think that the trend that we're seeing is that life happens, and it's just hard to maybe make everything work," Harris said. "So we are very much a supporter of non-traditional pathways and being able to access education on your terms and within the life that you've found yourself."

To meet those needs, ABE offers in-person, hybrid, and distance learning options, ensuring students can continue their education without putting the rest of their lives on hold.

Patricia Wendland’s HSE Success Story

Recent High School Equivalency (HSE) graduate Patricia Wendland did not take the opportunity to earn her diploma for granted. Speaking at the 2026 ABE Graduation ceremony in June 2026, Wendland shared her thoughts about taking an untraditional route to her HSE.

“As a child, I was a tomboy. My favorite place was following my dad around, getting greasy and working on cars,” she shared. “As an adult, I still followed an alternate route. Most people do things in the traditional way. But not me.”

Life intervened, and Wendland didn’t earn her high school diploma at the time, because of competing priorities. “I had my four children, then got married, and had heart surgery and took care of my father until he passed. These were all hard and difficult challenges to deal with but they made me stronger and who I am today.”

As she celebrated earning her HSE in June, Wendland’s pride was obvious. “After my dad passed, I decided to get my diploma, to prove to myself that I could do it. I wanted to show my two grandchildren, that no matter your age, even at 58 years old, that achievements are still possible and goals can still be reached. This makes me very proud.”

Wendland also recognizes how far she’s come. “It forced me to change how and why I do things and I had to figure out how to make things work with all these family and medical dynamics. I now appreciate the small things in life more than I ever used to. I would like to thank TMCC for the Adult Basic Education Program… and the ABE community for all your help and support.”

Breaking Down Misconceptions

One misconception Harris hopes to eliminate is the belief that a high school equivalency credential is somehow less valuable than a traditional diploma.

"There's an ongoing myth that high school equivalency isn't the same thing as a diploma," Harris said. "It's in the name, it's an equivalency... It makes them eligible for college, for FAFSA, for apprenticeship programs, it makes them eligible for the armed services, if that's what they want."

For many students, earning that credential becomes the first step toward continued education at TMCC.

"Our goal is that you walk away with this and you're able to use it if you need to," Harris said. "If you're ready for the next thing... then we can refer them to EPIC, refer them to credit-based classes, refer them to CTE programs. Anything that TMCC has to offer is built so that that's their next step."

By connecting students with education, workforce training and career opportunities, TMCC's Adult Basic Education program continues to create pathways that strengthen both individual lives and Northern Nevada's workforce. For more information, contact the ABE Department.

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