The option still remains but requires some determination. Get a GED (a vaild high school equivalency) and go from there. Local two year college to hone skills or a local tech school, on to a four year school if they work hard.
I guess GED has some value, but I have never been asked to show GED or HS diploma as far as that goes. Value in business is what you know and what you can really do that most others can not.
I’ll put my life up against many with Sheepskins any time. Willingness to work hard and use good sense more than compensates.