The Adult Diploma Program
An exciting new way to get your high school diploma

For more information, call us at 215-345-8322 or 215-968-3484 ext. 107 or 215-245-1798 ext. 14

Stephanie Bates (front), our first ADP graduate, proudly shows off her high school diploma from the Bensalem Township School District. With her are (left to right) Dr. James Lombardo, superintendent of Bensalem School District; Regina Kayris, Special Education teacher at Bensalem High School and ADP assessor; Peg Gould, Stephanie's mentor and Vita's Coordinator of High School Programs;  & Karen Klingerman, Coordinator of Professional Development & Literacy Programs for Bensalem School District and ADP assessor.

What is the Adult Diploma Program?
Vita Education Services works in cooperation with the Bensalem school district to offer the Adult Diploma Program (ADP) in Bucks County. This program gives adult learners the opportunity to complete an independent learning curriculum that leads to a high school diploma. The curriculum provides specific objectives that are met in a real-life learning context.  In order to complete these objectives, learners will use the resources of the community in which they live.  The ADP is offered throughout the year at no charge to participants.

How does the ADP differ from the GED?
The GED (General Equivalency Diploma) is given by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to those who take and pass the GED test.  The ADP is issued by a local school district and is awarded to learners who have, through independent study, met curriculum objectives. Learners create a portfolio showing completion of specific competencies.

What are the benefits of the ADP? 

The ADP:

• Encourages personal responsibility for learning.
• Promotes gathering, analyzing and applying information in a variety of situations.
• Engages the learner in problem-solving and critical thinking.
• Develops independent learning skills needed for those interested in post-secondary education.

What is included in the curriculum?
Students will demonstrate their understanding in areas such as civics and government, environment and ecology, family and consumer sciences, geography, health, safety and physical education, math, reading, writing and speaking, science and technology through the completion of 150 performance objectives.

Who is eligible for the program?

• Adult learners, age 18 or older, who are residents or non-residents of the participating school districts, can apply.
• Students currently attending high school programs cannot be considered.
• Interested participants will be interviewed and given an assessment in reading, math and writing to determine further eligibility.

Is the ADP program right for you?

• Are you comfortable learning on your own?
• Can you work independently?
• Do you have access to a computer?
• Are you comfortable using technology to access the internet?
• Do you have the time management skills to be able to balance ADP work, personal and professional obligations?
• Are you able to attend twice a month assessment meetings at Bensalem High School?
• Are you interested in furthering your education once you have completed the Adult Diploma program?

If you can answer yes to most of these questions, the Adult Diploma Program is for you.

What are the steps taken to earn an adult diploma?
1)  Individuals can schedule an interview and assessment with staff at the offices of Vita Education Services. 

2) If you qualify, you will be given an orientation to the program and the curriculum.  Each student must attend a minimum of three seminars. These seminars will help the student develop skills in completing assignments. 

3) Learners meet twice a month with staff members who review and approve assignments.

4) A portfolio is created with approved assignments.  The portfolio is submitted to the school district for final approval. After approval is given, the student is awarded a high school diploma and is eligible to attend graduation ceremony.

The Adult Diploma program is funded through a grant from the Bureau of Adult Basic and Literacy Education, Pennsylvania Department of Education.