First Case of ‘Out-of-School Youth’ Recognized for Academic Achievement in Busan

The Busan Metropolitan Office of Education has recognized the first student to receive middle school graduation certification under the "Compulsory Education Stage Unenrolled and Dropout Learning Support Project," which has been implemented since the 2018 academic year.

This project is a system that provides learning support programs, online courses, and out-of-school learning experiences to youth who have dropped out during the compulsory education stages of elementary and middle school, and grants academic certification for elementary and middle school upon meeting certain criteria.

The first student to be recognized for middle school graduation certification through this project in Busan is 16-year-old Im Mo.

To be recognized for secondary education certification, a minimum of two years of study is required, and a total of 2,652 hours must be completed based on the standard of not having entered middle school. However, the required hours vary depending on the dropout period, and up to 80% of the regular curriculum completed before dropping out is recognized.

Busan Office of Education.

Im completed the school curriculum up to the first semester of 9th grade but then discontinued her studies due to personal circumstances. Afterwards, she completed volunteer work, online learning, and designated review learning programs, becoming the first case in Busan to be recognized for middle school graduation certification.

Im said, "After passing the high school equivalency exam, I want to enter university and major in psychology."

Park Ji-hoon, Director of the Education Policy Division at the Busan Metropolitan Office of Education, said, "We sincerely congratulate Im, who has been recognized for middle school graduation certification despite difficult circumstances," and added, "We will continue to provide opportunities for out-of-school youth to continue learning and support their growth into healthy members of society."

The Busan Office of Education operates this project in partnership with the "Busan School-Outside Youth Support Center."

The education office provides customized academic certification programs that allow youth who have dropped out of elementary and middle school to study anytime and anywhere, supporting their learning.

Currently, a total of 28 students?12 in the elementary course and 16 in the secondary course?are continuing their studies through the program.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.