1. Contact the State Licensing Board (if applicable): If the school offered programs that required licensing (e.g., nursing, cosmetology, electrician), the state licensing board might have records of graduates and their certifications. Even if they don't have the degree itself, they might have confirmation of your completion of the program.
2. Search for Archives: The state archives or the archives of the school's sponsoring organization (if it was affiliated with a larger institution) may hold records. You'll need to contact them directly and explain your situation. Be prepared to provide identifying information.
3. Check with Local Libraries or Historical Societies: Local libraries or historical societies in the area where the school was located might have preserved records of the institution.
4. Contact Former Instructors or Staff: If you remember any instructors or staff members from the school, reach out to them. They might have personal copies of records or know where to find them. LinkedIn can be a helpful tool for this.
5. Explore Online Resources: Try searching online for the school's name along with terms like "archives," "alumni," or "records." You might find alumni groups or websites that could offer assistance.
6. Hire a Document Retrieval Service: If your efforts prove fruitless, consider hiring a professional document retrieval service. These services specialize in locating and obtaining lost or obscure documents.
7. Accepting Limitations: Be aware that after a significant amount of time, records may be lost or destroyed. You might not be able to obtain an exact replica of your original degree, but you may be able to get a letter of verification or other documentation confirming your attendance and completion of the program.
Important Information to Have Ready:
* Your full name as it appeared on your enrollment records
* Dates of attendance
* The school's name and address
* Your program of study
* Any identifying numbers (student ID, etc.)
The success of your search will depend on how long ago the school closed and how well its records were preserved. Be persistent and patient; it might take time and effort.