The most informative webpage about the National External Diploma Program (NEDP) I have found so far, besides the national NEDP website, is the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about NEDP at the RI Department of Education (RIDE) website. Students must be at least 21 years old to enter this program. This FAQ, however, was last updated in 2013, and all of the listed programs may no longer be offered.
Eight states currently offer NEDP. Connecticut appears to be using NEDP extensively. In 2011-2012, 416 people in Connecticut earned diplomas through the NEDP (p. 7).
Note: Sometimes NEDP is referred to as EDP. Providential Gardener recommends that everybody call it NEDP because that's what the official website calls itself. It's difficult to find the current information because it is scattered and there isn't a standard way to refer to the program.
WHO OFFERS NEDP
The following organizations are listed as providers of the NEDP program in the above FAQ, but there are no links. I've copied that list here and have added links to help people connect better to these resources. I have found that some of these agencies no longer offer the NEDP.
- Amos House in Providence. Call 401-228-6640. Sheri Lupoli is the Adult Literacy Program Coordinator. About 30 people are currently in the NEDP and another 20 are in basic education. Students must be approaching the adult secondary level on a reading, writing, and math in order to qualify for the program.
- Aquidneck Island Adult Learning Center (AIALC), Middletown, RI [No current info about NEDP on their website 2/4/15]
- Cranston Alternate Learning Center (CALC) no longer offers EDP. Person I spoke with said there weren't enough students and mentioned cost. (2/4/15). [This is now called Cranston Adult Education Programs (1/2/2016).]
- Crossroads RI. The 2015-2016 class is for students already dually enrolled with Crossroads Learning Center and Amos House NEDP, and who have completed the Diagnostic Phase and have been entered into the Assessment Phase. (1/23/16)
- Education Exchange offers NEDP in Peace Dale and Westerly.
- English for Action (EFA) in Providence. Website describes NEDP in detail. Excerpts about time commitment and cost: "An average English for Action learner is obtaining their high school diploma through the NEDP program in 4-7 months. The time a learner needs to invest per week in order to achieve this goal is: 12-13 hours of class plus 3-5 hours of independent study. Currently, classes run Mon-Thurs 6.30-8.30pm and Saturdays 1-6pm with additional computer class support for those who need it on Sundays 2.30-4.30pm. Weekday and Saturday classes are mandatory. Sunday classes are optional.... The current cost of the NEDP class is $275.00 that can be paid in two installments."
- Genesis Center, 620 Potters Avenue, Providence (call 401-781-6110). Email contact info is on the Adult Education page.
- Institute for Labor Studies [no specific mention of EDP or NEDP on 2/4/15]
- Literacy Volunteers of Washington County may offer preparatory help for external diploma.
- Project LEARN -- NEDP offered in Central Falls, Cumberland, and Woonsocket, according to RI Resource Hub. (/23/16)
- Providence Housing Authority (PHA) -- NEDP is not listed on their website.
- RI Family Literacy Initiative (RIFLI) -- Not sure if this organization still offers NEDP in 2016 (it was offered in 2015. Program seems to be for immigrants(?)
- RIRAL (RI Regional Adult Learning) - Woonsocket. NEDP costs $1300, $300 paid by student, according to the RIRAL website. NEDP is also offered through RIRAL at Central Falls High School and East Providence High School.
WHAT IS THE FUNDING FOR NEDP?
Apparently RIDE pays $1000 for students who have financial need (according to RIRAL). But what is the source of funding and how much is allocated to pay for NEDP tuition per year? What are the standards for getting tuition help? Is there a waiting list for students who want to enter the NEDP? According to the RIRAL website, "The number of RI residents that can participate in NEDP is limited..." -- how is the number limited? By funding? By people who qualify? With tens of thousands of Rhode Islanders without a high school equivalency credential, I would think there are plenty of people who could benefit from this program. (?)
