Available statewide during week of September 10-14, 2012: Adult Literacy Week in Georgia
September 10, 2012- ALBANY, GA- More than one million adults in Georgia don't have a high school diploma. And without a high school credential, they're less likely to get a good-paying job, discover a great career and enjoy a much better life. There's no better time than now to take the one easy step that can change their lives forever. And it can start with a free GED® practice test.
During the week of September 10 through 14, Georgia's adult education centers throughout Georgia, including Albany Technical College, will be offering adult learners the opportunity to take a GED practice test at no charge. All prospective test-takers need to do is visit one of the centers and see how a small investment of their time can open the door to greater opportunities for them and their families.
Staff will also be on hand at the centers to explain what's needed to sign up for the GED preparation classes that are always free to every Georgian. They'll also explain how the cost of taking the full set of GED tests shouldn't be a deterrent to anyone because grants and other financial assistance, including a scholarship provided by AT&T, are available. Many locations will be offering a look at the new computer-based GED test, which will be used statewide by the end of the year.
"We're actively campaigning to help people throughout Georgia understand that we can help them prepare for the GED test and, with a little effort, they can earn a GED credential. After that, we'll assist with their transition from GED diploma to college degree or into a better job. I encourage every adult learner in Georgia to make plans now to visit their local adult education center and take advantage of a free GED practice test session during the week of September 10 through 14," said Beverly Smith, the TCSG assistant commissioner for adult education.
"Literacy week is an excellent opportunity to focus on the 1.2 million citizens in Georgia over the age of eighteen and the population of 16-17 year olds who have less than a high school education," said Linda Coston, Associate Vice President for Adult Education at Albany Technical College.
Included in the numbers are 29 counties where over 30 percent of the adult population does not have a high school education. The majority of the counties in the service delivery area of Albany Tech are included in the 29 counties and have a tremendous effect on economic development of our communities.
Albany Technical College has created an array of activities to bring awareness of our literacy needs to be held the week of September 10-14, 2012. Activities include free GED Practice Test at all adult education centers, ribbon cutting for the Lee County Adult Education Center on Wednesday, September 12 at 10am, and the Pearson VUE Center (computer-based center for GED Testing) ribbon cutting on September 10 at 2pm in the Manufacturing Technology Center at Albany Tech. The activities were developed to encourage every adult learner without a high school education to visit Albany Tech's centers and allow us to help them prepare to earn their high school equivalency.
"Working together, we can create stronger families, communities, and a literate workforce," said Coston.
Last year, more than 19,000 adult learners earned their GED diploma. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, a person with a high school or GED credential earns $10,000 more per year than a non-high school graduate. The income level increases substantially more for those who go on to complete a college certificate, diploma or degree program.
For more information from the TCSG Office of Adult Education, including a full list of local adult education centers, go to https://tcsg.edu/adult_literacy.php or call 1-800-946-9433 (1-800-94MYGED).
For more information about Albany Technical College's Adult Education Program, call 229-430-1620. For a listing of an Albany Tech Adult Education Center in your county, visit www.albanytech.edu.
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