Mid-State Technical College is expanding its Direct Admission initiative by automatically accepting all General Educational Development (GED®) and high school equivalency diploma (HSED) graduates. 

Mid-State began the Direct Admission initiative in 2021 with Adams-Friendship High School. Due to the program’s success, it was expanded earlier this year to all high schools in the College’s district and now to all GED and HSED graduates.

“We are proud to continue to reduce barriers for those seeking higher education,” said Jackie Esselman, dean of Recruitment and Admissions. “We have a growing number of GED and HSED completers each year through Mid-State’s Academic Learning Center. The Direct Admission program allows GED and HSED completers to continue their education in a familiar, supportive environment, right at Mid-State.”

According to Esselman, GED and HSED graduates do not need to apply to be accepted. Those interested in this opportunity will only need to confirm their acceptance.

Mid-State’s Direct Admission program supports the 60 Forward initiative, a partnership between the Wisconsin Technical College System, the UW System and the Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities. The initiative aims to reduce college admissions barriers and increase post-secondary attainment of 60 percent by 2027. 

The 60 Forward initiative was created in response to findings in the Lumina Foundation’s A Stronger Nation Report. The report found that 60 percent of the national workforce between the ages of 25 and 64 will need a post-secondary credential by 2025 to meet the demands of industry and provide a stronger personal economic future. Currently, Wisconsin’s average post-secondary attainment is about 48 percent.

Learn more about GED and HSED Direct Admission at mstc.edu/adult-direct-admission.