Out of School Youth

Jumpstart your career

Classes are offered throughout the year. Please use the contact form to sign up.

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Out of School Youth Program

About Out of School Youth Program

The Out of School Youth Program offers free GED Instruction and Job Services for Bucks County Youth ages 16-24. For those who already have a HS diploma or GED, contact us to see if you qualify for our Employment Services. The OSY Program is located at the two locations of the PA CareerLinkĀ® Bucks County in Trevose and Perkasie. In addition to in-person services, OSY also offers a virtual component: remote enrollment, online GED classes and Employment Services can all be done from your home.

Participants enrolled in the OSY Program will have all the fees related to the GED covered, including texts, online resources, study material, and testing fees. OSY also offers Employment Services: Job placement assistance, resume, interview prep, and other tools are available to give Bucks County Youth the employability skills they need to enhance their career opportunities. In addition, funding is available for job training: Metalworking, Industrial Maintenance, Bookkeeping, Microsoft Office Technology and Customer Service Specialist, Pharmacy Tech, Medical Assistant, Dental Assistant, computer-related training and certifications, and many more.

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Our Locations

Trevose

4800 E Street Rd #50, Trevose, PA 19053

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Center for Advanced Technologies

1304 Veterans Hwy, Bristol, PA 19007

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Upper Bucks

One Hillendale Rd, Perkasie, PA 18944

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Gene and Marlene Epstein Campus at Lower Bucks

1304 Veterans Hwy, Bristol, PA 19007

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Frequently Asked Questions

What should I expect during enrollment?

Registration is a time when you first meet with your onboarding counselor or program coordinator. You will complete an application and a few other forms that will tell us a little about you so we can start you on the best path.

You will also be asked to complete an assessment of your reading and math skills. This assessment will help us gear your GED training program to your specific needs. Your counselor or coordinator will review the results with you so you, too, know the path we have set for you.

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Are these in person or virtual?

Classes are typically held in-person at either our Trevose or Perkasie locations. Additionally we offer virtual and hybrid instruction. It is best to check with staff for the current status of in-person classes once enrolled in the program.

Will it cost me anything to participate?

No. GED materials, instruction, and practice tests are provided at no cost. Some programs also cover the cost of your official GED tests. If not, you will pay $30 for each of the four subject tests, for a total of $120.

Employment services are also provided at no cost.

Who can I talk to about my future career goals?

The OSY Program's Career Specialist can help you explore career options, identify your strengths with career assessment tools, and create a plan for your future. You can also receive career counseling, employment workshops, and job readiness training.

Through our partnership with PA CareerLink® Bucks County, you can also access additional employment services and resources.

As an employer interested in hiring youth, who can I contact?

Contact us at hseandworkforce@bucks.edu to learn more about the program, our wage reimbursement program, and how we can help you find qualified candidates for your business.

I don't have a computer. Will that be a problem?

No. Computers are available if you attend classes, assessments, or testing in person. If you are learning online, you can use a computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone. If you need help getting the right technology, assistance is available.

How long will it take to get my GED?

The High School Equivalency (HSE) program is tailored to your individual strengths and learning needs. While the national average is about one year to earn a GED, many of our students complete the program in less time. How quickly you finish depends on how much time you spend learning in class and studying on your own.

What if I don’t want to go to college? What other options can you help me with?

We can help you explore career options and create a Career Pathway based on your interests, strengths, and available jobs in the county. We can also connect you with training opportunities in high-demand fields, including manufacturing, computer and IT, and health care.

Through our access to multiple funding sources, you may qualify for assistance with training programs that can help you build skills for a new career.

School was always a challenge for me. How are these programs different?

Our High School Equivalency (HSE) classes are designed to meet you where you are and support your individual learning needs. Your instructor will work with you to create a program of study based on your strengths and areas where you want to improve.

HSE classes are small and use a variety of learning resources to match your learning style. These may include textbooks, videos, online learning, handouts, and assessments to help measure your progress and readiness. Most importantly, your learning plan will be tailored to your needs. You will have a voice in the process every step of the way.

How does a GED differ from an HSE or HiSET?

In Pennsylvania, when you successfully complete the program, you earn a High School Equivalency (HSE) credential. The Pennsylvania Department of Education has approved two testing options for earning an HSE: GED Testing Service and HiSET, an ETS company.

Both tests are based on the academic skills needed to earn a high school diploma in Pennsylvania. They measure the same skills expected of high school graduates and provide the same HSE credential.

We offer testing through both GED Testing Service and HiSET.

I don’t have a car. How will I get to class?

Public transportation may be available in your area. If it is not available, please let us know during enrollment. Once you enroll in the OSY Program, we can provide supportive services to help address transportation barriers.

Do I actually get a diploma when I finish?

Yes! After you successfully complete all four tests and earn your High School Equivalency (HSE) credential in Pennsylvania, you can order a diploma.

Visit DiplomaSender for more information about ordering your diploma. In addition to earning your HSE, the OSY Program hosts a GED Graduation at the end of each program year to celebrate your achievement.

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For Employers

The Out-of-School Youth (OSY) Program partners with local businesses to provide reliable employees ages 16-24 to meet their staffing needs. We reimburse participant wages up to an entry-level hourly wage* while covering the cost of required workplace certifications, such as OSHA 10, First Aid, and ServSafe®.

Participants apply the skills they learn through our comprehensive job readiness training, which focuses on the workplace skills employers value most.

By partnering with us, you can help young adults in Bucks County find meaningful, sustainable employment while gaining access to the skilled employees your business needs.

To learn more about the program or request resumes from qualified candidates, contact hseandworkforce@bucks.edu.

*Wage reimbursement varies by industry.