(BPT) - More than 39 million Americans 16 and older lack a high school diploma, according to the 2010 U.S. Census. And while a new survey indicates their reasons for dropping out range from lack of parental support to becoming parents themselves, those seeking a second chance at an education often find hope in General Educational Development (GED) programs.
Daily, about 7,000 students drop out of high school – about 1.3 million per year, according to advocacy group Alliance for Excellent Education. Nearly a quarter of those who drop out cite a lack of parental support or encouragement as their chief reason for not completing high school, according to the 2012 High School Dropouts in America survey conducted by Harris/Decima on behalf of Everest College. Becoming a parent prompted 21 percent to drop out, and missing too many days of school influenced 17 percent.
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