Alabama Enacts REACH Act to Support High School Dropouts
HB266 establishes a nontraditional diploma pathway through the AL Community College System
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey signed HB266, the Restoring Educational Advancement of Completing High School (REACH) Act, on Tuesday, May 13. The REACH Act establishes a nontraditional high school diploma pathway for individuals aged 17 and older who have withdrawn from traditional high school settings.
The REACH Act allows high school dropouts to earn a high school diploma through the Adult Education Division of the Alabama Community College System. This program offers flexible learning options, including in-person, virtual, or hybrid formats, to accommodate a wide variety of student needs.
Under the new law, students under 19 participating in the REACH program or a GED preparation course are eligible to obtain a driver's or learner's license.
To increase support for students at risk of dropping out, the law mandates that local education agencies report quarterly student withdrawal data to the State Department of Education. This data will be shared with the Alabama Community College System to facilitate outreach and recruitment efforts.
Additionally, during the high school withdrawal process, students and their guardians must be informed about available adult education programs and services. Under HB266, students 17 and older are allowed to withdraw from school with the written consent of the parent or legal guardian following an exit interview. Information on options, including those of the REACH Act, must be provided during the exit interview.
Interested individuals can contact the Adult Education Division of the Alabama Community College System for more information on the REACH program and enrollment details.
