Tracer Study on the Graduates of the Open High School Program

AUTHOR(S)

JESSICA Q. RAMAS MARA G. PELAEZ, PhD

ABSTRACT

—— This tracer study focused on the post-graduation status of graduates of the Open High School Program (OHSP) at Bayambang National High School, covering cohorts from School Year 2017–2018 to 2022–2023. Guided by Social Justice Theory, Human Capital Theory, Constructivist Learning Theory, Life Course Theory, and Social Cognitive Career Theory, the research adopted an explanatory sequential mixed-methods approach. The quantitative phase involved 26 graduates, followed by in-depth qualitative interviews with selected participants to gain a more comprehensive understanding of their post-graduation experiences. The results indicated that most participants were young adults, largely male, and mostly high school graduates, with only a few advancing to tertiary education. Regarding employment status, half of the participants were already employed, primarily in the private sector, while the other half were either unemployed or self-employed. A computed overall weighted mean of 3.12 suggested that the post-OHSP challenges experienced by the graduates were generally mild. Common concerns included inadequate career guidance, difficulties in adapting to more structured academic or work settings, financial constraints, and limited access to technological resources. Notably, some respondents reported encountering little to no difficulty after completing the program. The qualitative findings revealed several recurring themes, including academic and learning-related difficulties, pressures associated with balancing work and study, financial limitations, constraints in program design, and challenges during the transition period. Nevertheless, the graduates exhibited adaptive coping mechanisms. These included resilience, strategic time management, reliance on faith, support from family and teachers, and the utilization of technology and alternative learning opportunities to navigate post-program demands. The study concludes that the Open High School Program (OHSP) effectively expands access to secondary education through its flexible learning structure. However, findings suggest the need to strengthen institutional support mechanisms to better assist graduates in transitioning to higher education and employment. In response, an intervention program that focuses on enhanced career guidance, strengthened academic support services, and improved resource provision to increase the program’s overall effectiveness further was proposed. Keywords: High School Program, challenges, flexible learning structure, higher education, tracer study