(BPT) - More than 39 million Americans 16 and older lack a high school diploma, according to the 2010 U.S. Census. And while a new survey indicates their reasons for dropping out range from lack of parental support to becoming parents themselves, those seeking a second chance at an education often find hope in General Educational Development (GED) programs.

Daily, about 7,000 students drop out of high school – about 1.3 million per year, according to advocacy group Alliance for Excellent Education. Nearly a quarter of those who drop out cite a lack of parental support or encouragement as their chief reason for not completing high school, according to the 2012 High School Dropouts in America survey conducted by Harris/Decima on behalf of Everest College. Becoming a parent prompted 21 percent to drop out, and missing too many days of school influenced 17 percent.

“Americans without a high school diploma or GED test credential face tremendous challenges,” says John Swartz, regional director of career services at Everest College. “Yet the obstacles that prompt students to drop out of high school, or that stand in the way of their GED pursuit, are solvable. We need to continue putting our dropout crisis under the microscope and develop substantive solutions going forward.”