Optional Education Program

Supportive Services | GED | Frequently Ask Questions | Registration | Support Programs | Site locations

Supportive Services

High School Completion:
Students must be at least 16 years old and no longer be enrolled in high school to apply. Agreements with the six public high schools in the Rock Island Educational Service Region allow students to earn diplomas from their home schools by completing requirements at an Optional Education site.

Counseling:
Individual, family and group counseling is provided through a contact with Youth Service Bureau. A counselor is available at each site.

Transportation:
Metrolink bus tickets are available without charge.

Transition Services:
The Early School Leaver Coordinator assists in postsecondary and career planning and in developing employability and job retention skills.

Parenting Preparation:
Pregnant and parenting students have access to individual counseling, parent group activities and individualized instruction in parenting, family living, nutrition and childcare and development.

Community Linkages:
With the student’s permission, Optional Education will coordinate services and goals with social service agencies, psychologists, psychiatrists, court services and drug/alcohol programs.

GED (General Equivalency Diploma):
Designed to meet the needs of the younger (16-18 year old) GED student, Optional Education GED classes help students with few high school credits prepare for the GED exam which, in turn, will qualify them for employment or postsecondary education.

Frequently Asked Questions
How do students earn credit?
Cooperating schools require students to attend a class for a specified number of hours per .5 credit. While in attendance, students must complete the required assigned work at a passing level. Each class completed is worth one-half credit. Credit cannot be earned unless both attendance and work requirements are met.

Is Optional Education a faster way to earn credit?
Students have the potential to earn credit more quickly in their home schools. Students who
complete a full schedule of classes at the home school have the potential to earn 7 credits per
year. Optional Education has a shorter day (4 or 5 hours), so students can only expect to
complete 4 to 5 credits during an academic year. Some students earn less due to poor attendance or productivity.

If I decide to enroll in the GED program, what classes will I take?
GED students prepare to demonstrate that they have the same skills as the average high school
graduate in five fields: Literature and the Arts, Writing Skills, Science, Social Studies, and
Mathematics. Students are tested when they enroll to help determine what areas need
attention. Instructors then work with students to design a program that meets individual needs.

If I decide to enroll in the GED program, will I be able to go to college?
GED graduates are eligible to enroll in college classes. While GED graduates with high GED and college entrance scores may go directly to a four-year institution, many begin college at a community college like Black Hawk College. A college-bound GED student should strive to earn scores that are higher than the minimum passing score. The student should also consider enrolling in keyboarding and introductory computer classes. Typing and computer skills will make the transition to college much easier.
Call (309) 755-3300 today for more information about

How do I register for classes?
You may register for Optional Education classes at the Outreach Center, Room 107, Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Classes are held at the Technology Center and Outreach Center. Rock Island residents may register at the Technology Center. Call (309) 755-3300 for additional information. See Fall Schedules, Spring Schedules, and Summer Schedules for enrollment dates. Summer classes are offered as student enrollment indicates need.

Support Programs to the Optional Education Program
Early School Leaver Program
ESLP serves 16 to 21 year olds who are attending Optional Education high school credit or GED classes, and who are interested in exploring employment and further education options. A full range of career services is offered. Call 755-3300 for more information.

TEAM Program
TEAM is a targeted program funded by the Workforce Investment Act intended to help qualified youth improve their academic performance and successfully enter employment. TEAM stands for Teaching Employment and Academic Mastery. Students work on their GED or high school requirements and receive support-finding employment. Job shadowing, transportation assistance, paid internships, counseling and other services are available. This service is available at the Outreach Center in East Moline and the Technology Center in Rock Island.

Youth Build
Through a collaborative agreement with Black Hawk College and the Rock Island Community, students may experience on site construction skill learning in the morning and GED preparation at the Technology Center in the afternoon. Student stipends are given to students working within the framework of the Youth Build Project.

Please visit this link for additional student support and services.

Optional Education Site locations:
Black Hawk College Technology Center
309-794-1072
3930 11th St.
Rock Island, IL 61201

Outreach Center
309-755-3300
301 Avenue of the Cities.
East Moline, IL 61244

Black Hawk College reserves the right to cancel, combine, or divide classes based on enrollment; to change the time, date or place of meetings as necessary, and to do so without incurring obligation. Classes may be held in a variety of locations including churches, industrial plants, schools, libraries, and housing projects. The major learning centers are located in East Moline, Rock Island, Aledo, Moline, or Kewanee. Click on Site Locations for a complete listing of locations to serve you.

Black Hawk College will make all educational and personnel decisions without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin or ancestry, age, physical or mental disability unrelated to ability, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam era veteran, except as specifically exempted by law.
If you will need accommodations due to a disability , please contact Disability Services at (309) 796-5900 or (TTY) 796-5903. Please allow sufficient time to make arrangements.