Adult Education

QSAC (Quality Services for the Autism Community) is now a National External Diploma Program (NEDP) agency approved by both NEDP/CASAS and the New York State Education Department's High School Equivalency Office. We also offer a series of trainings and courses aimed at supporting young adults and adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other intellectual and developmental disabilities in realizing their academic goals.

Click Here to Register for QSAC's NEDP Program

Eligibility: QSAC is approved by NYSED to offer the NEDP program as a pathway for earning a high school diploma. QSAC's NEDP program has the following eligibility requirements:

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  • Registrants must have a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or another intellectual/developmental disability;

  • Must live in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island, Nassau County, or Suffolk County;

  • Complete diagnostic testing in-person and commit to regular in office check-ins with their advisor/assessor; and,

  • Cannot be currently enrolled in a high school program and must be 18 or older.

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QSAC is only able to accept applications for the NEDP for people who live in New York City or on Long Island. Proof of residency may be requested. In addition, all diagnostic testing (Reading, Math, and Writing) must be completed in-person at QSAC's Manhattan location (253 West 35th Street).

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NEDP leverages the skills you’ve gained from life and work experience to demonstrate your reading, writing and math high school level skills. This web-based program for adults and out-of-school youth offers flexibility to earn your diploma even if you are employed full time, enrolled in job training, or have other commitments. The NEDP program can be completed in 6 to 12 months.

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Work at home, the library, or wherever you have a computer

You will work through online activities and with an assessor to complete your program. You have multiple opportunities to demonstrate your mastery of academic skills in core subject areas. The NEDP is aligned with the college and career readiness standards.

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NEDP + Project Achieve

With support from the Heckscher Foundation, QSAC is able to offer Project Achieve. This program assigns all QSAC NEDP students to an Achieve Counselor who provides one-on-one support and tutoring to help you prepare for the NEDP assessments and performance tasks based on your unique learning needs. The Achieve Counselor will also help you develop your post-NEDP career and/or academic plans. This support program is only available for New York City residents from any of the five boroughs who are 26 years old or younger.

Frequently asked questions

What are some "fast" facts about the NEDP program?

NEDP is a nationally and state recognized computer-based assessment program for motivated out-of-school youth (18 years and older) and adults with life and work experience. The NEDP is not a test, but a flexible, self-paced assessment program where students work independently on a series of online assignments that cover a variety of academic subjects. Students demonstrate their skills by successfully completing a series of online assignments. NEDP is flexible, can be done at home, and fits in with most busy schedules. There are no classes involved. Students meet in person with their NEDP advisor to review their progress approximately every 1-2 weeks for 1 hour. Students who complete NEDP are awarded with a New York State High School Equivalency Diploma by the New York State Department of Education.



What is the difference between NEDP and TASC?

The TASC (Test Assessing Secondary Completion) is a national test measuring high school education standards, with 5 subtests (math, reading, writing, science, and social studies). It is usually taken over a period of 2 days and takes approximately 8 ½ hours to complete. Many students prepare for the TASC by attending classes until their instructor feels they are ready to take the test.



Who is eligible for the NEDP program?

New York State adults and out-of-school youth without a high school diploma who are 18 and older, and pass CASAS and TABE diagnostic tests at a 9th grade level qualify for NEDP.



How will I demonstrate the skills I have in the NEDP?

You can demonstrate your skills in practical ways. For example, you might: - Read and analyze a short story and film - Analyze a household budget and identify ways to save money - Develop a presentation about your community’s natural resources - Write a consumer complaint letter - Analyze a science issue in the news and how it affects our lives



Can my job and home experience help satisfy the requirements?

Yes. As part of your participation in NEDP, you will need to demonstrate that you have either a job skill, specialized skill, or advanced academic skill. You can demonstrate these skills through: - a current occupation or trade - home management experience - advanced academic skills - training in a new field



Will I get a "real" diploma and can I use it to go to college?

Yes! The New York State Education Department (NYSED) will issue the diploma. You may then apply to any college, just like any other high school graduate. Remember, colleges have varying admissions standards to which all applicants must adhere, regardless of where they obtain their diploma.



How long does it take to complete the NEDP?

Most participants complete the program in approximately six (6) months. Your skill level and the amount of time you can devote to the program determine the length of time needed to finish.



How is the NEDP different from a traditional high school?

The NEDP is designed especially for those with life experience because it is: - self-paced - confidential - conducted by trained practitioners in one-on-one, face-to-face appointments



What are the stages of the NEDP program?



How can I apply for the NEDP program at QSAC?

The first step to apply for the NEDP program at QSAC is to request an application by emailing nedp@qsac.com. Please note: While we have rolling enrollment for this program, we are limited with regard to the number of people in the program at any given time. Submitting an application does not guarantee that QSAC will be able to accept you in the NEDP. Applicants are required to complete an orientation and pre-enrollment test (reading and math).