BEAM implemented the GED Program as part of the Higher Education Preparation and Community Young Leaders Development Program (CYLD). This program is designed to provide migrants and border youth with an opportunity for pursuing accredited education, professional development training, internship and community impact projects, and become part of an ASEAN youth network. BEAM hasnine years of experience in training youth for continuing higher education, professional development, building professional networks, and empowering them to engage in community service.

The GED (General Education Development) program is an American-based and internationally recognized non-formal high school diploma course that allows students without a formal education background to receive an official high school diploma which is required to accesstertiary education. All courses are taught by native English speakers to effectively prepare students for their exams. This is a one-year program, aiming to prepare the students to pass their examinations and apply for college and university. Migrant students from many different ethnic groups in Myanmar come to BEAM Education Foundation to study together in hope of achieving recognized high school certificates and applying to international programs atuniversities. Beyond the focus on tests and admission to college, students of BEAM Education Foundation increase their knowledge, participation, social interaction, communication, and critical thinking skills.

The GED Program for Academic Year 2018-19 was successfully completed at the end of March 2019. As of 1 August 2019, 29 students from this cohort of 32 have successfully passed the GED, while 3 more have just one exam left.These recent graduates now join the 172 BEAM alumni since 2010 who have successfully earned their GED diplomas.Twelve students from this 2018-19 academic year group are now attending universities in Thailand. However, most students will wait another year before applying to university and are still searching for financial support.

At the end of the 2018-2019 academic year, 202 students in total have directly benefited from BEAM’s CYLD Program. Of these graduates, 69.7% are currently studying at universities while the others are back in their communities working as teachers, health care assistants, or in other service sectors. So far, 31 of BEAM’s Higher Education Program alumni have successfully graduated from 4-year degree programs at Chiang Mai University, Payap University, Rangsit University, Hong Kong University, Ramkhamhaeng University, APIU University, SolBridge International School of Business in Korea, Myanmar International University, and Henry Ford College, USA. Even more will be graduating in 2019. We currently have BEAM alumni studying in Thailand, China, Italy, USA and Hong Kong.

Thanks to all the teachers, volunteer teachers, interns, and staff at BEAM for making this success possible. We were able to complete our program due to your support, dedication, and willingness to work the extra hours needed to make sure our students passed. We were able to exceed our goals and expand our education services to underprivileged youth because of the generosity and commitment of people like you. Special thanks to Partner’s Asia, Mae Tao Clinic/CDC School and Bracket Foundation, Chiang Mai International Rotary Club, China-Mekong Law Center and other partners who made this possible.