The department shall authorize a diploma program that results in a diploma award by the department for adults who have not graduated from high school but who want a program that:

A. documents their educational attainment through college and career readiness standards;

B. assesses high school-level skills in applied life and work contexts; and

C. prepares them to enter college or the workforce, upgrade their skills, advance to a better job or move from one field of work to another.