Media release: September is Literacy Month, and September 8, 2012, is International Literacy Day. The United States Congress and the Governor of Georgia have issued resolutions in support of National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week for September 10 - 16, 2012. As the largest Adult Education program provider in northwest Georgia, Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) will be emphasizing its role in raising the level of educational attainment in the adult population during this month.
According to Susan Hackney, vice president of Adult Education at GNTC, approximately 1.5 million Georgia adults, age 25 and older, have never completed high school, and younger adults continue to leave school without graduating. "This is particularly troublesome at this time when a high school diploma and two years of postsecondary education/training are considered required for 21st Century jobs," stated Hackney. "The current economic recession has demonstrated that the less educated have the greatest percentage of unemployment, while the highest educated have a lower level of unemployment. The same direct relationship applies to earnings."
GNTC's Adult Education Program is positioned to provide education for adults whose schooling was interrupted in earlier years. They assist adults in acquiring the skills and credentials to validate their level of education through GED® Testing, WorkKeys® Testing, and admission testing for college. GNTC's Adult Education program also offers transition counseling to make college a reality. GNTC has academies that target the young adult population and Adult Learning Centers that are located in each county of GNTC's service area. Services are provided to students of all ages and are free through funding from local, state, and federal sources. A team of instructors teach morning, afternoon, and evening classes plus the college offers distance learning opportunities. A Language and Literacy Center in Rome provides assistance to adults who have reading difficulties as well as adults whose first language is not English.
Adults Can Start a New Chapter in Life with a Free GED® Practice Test
Available statewide September 10-14, 2012
More than one million adults in Georgia don't have a high school diploma. Without a high school credential, those adults are less likely to get a good-paying job, discover a great career, and enjoy a much better life.
During the week of September 10-14, a free GED® practice test will be offered at adult education centers across northwest Georgia. 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 be on hand at the centers to explain how 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 GED® test shouldn't be a deterrent to anyone because grants and other financial assistance, including a scholarship provided by AT&T and the Dollar General Foundation, 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- 14," said Beverly Smith, the TCSG assistant commissioner for adult education.
Susan Hackney, vice president of Adult Education at GNTC, adds her encouragement. "We will be happy to provide practice testing and counseling for all who are interested. Calling ahead is recommended. Our learning centers are listed under Adult Education at www.gntc.edu, or callers can reach me at 706-295-6972 in Rome, or Jim Fowler at 706-764-3564 in Rock Spring. We look forward to hearing from you."
Adult Learning Centers in the Northwest Georgia include:
Catoosa County (Ringgold): 706-965-6155
Chattooga County (Summerville): 706-857-0771
Dade County (Trenton): 706-657-2205; (Davis School Center): 423-902-7978
Floyd County (Rome): 706-295-6917; (Glenwood - ask for Adult Education Center): 706-236-1855; (Library for ESL): 706-236-4617 (Library for Tutoring): 706-236-4618
Gordon County (Calhoun): 706-624-1111
Polk County (Rockmart and Cedartown): 770-684-7521
Walker County (Rock Spring): 706-764-3679; (Rossville): 706-858-0150; (LaFayette): 706-638-7703
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).
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