Twenty students from Pima Vocational High School will receive their high school diplomas on June 7 at 6 p.m. at Hotel Tucson City Center. 

The vocational school, a program of the Pima County Community Services, Employment, and Training Department, has served dropouts and those who are at risk of dropping out of traditional high schools. 

Prior to graduation, students met all of the Arizona Essential Skills requirements and took courses on resume writing and career skills. Every week, they met with an adviser and attended classes with 15 or fewer students. They also had an opportunity to earn paid job placements and internships apart from taking classes. 

Each of the graduating students has their own personal struggles. Nevertheless, they are able to overcome challenges and are on their way to receiving their much-coveted diplomas. In addition, the graduates will also have the chance to speak at the ceremony and pay tribute to the people who inspired them to continue schooling. 

Pima Vocational High School offers classes at 175 W. Irvington Road and 5025 W. Ina Road in northwest Tucson. For more information, visit their website or call 520-724-9740.