More than 1 million adults in Georgia don't have a high school diploma. Without that, 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.
To celebrate Georgia Literacy Week this week, Georgia's adult education centers throughout the state, including Ogeechee Technical College's adult education program, are 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, which are free to every Georgian. They will also explain how the cost of taking the full set of GED tests should not be a deterrent to anyone because grants and other financial assistance, including a scholarship provided by AT&T, are available. Many locations are 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 Sept. 10- 14," said Beverly Smith, the assistant commissioner for adult education for the Technical College System of Georgia.
For Georgia Literacy Week, Ogeechee Technical College's three adult education centers will have an open house. The event will be held at each of the college's three centers Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon and again from 2- 6 p.m. Classes at the centers in Bulloch, Evans, and Screven counties will be canceled that day to allow the instructors to meet prospective students, explain the options for GED scholarships and free GED tests.
Last year, more than 19,000 adult learners earned their GED diplomas. 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 certificate, diploma or degree program from college.
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 (800) 946-9433 (94-MYGED). More information about Ogeechee Tech's Adult Education Program can be found at www.ogeecheetech.edu, or by calling or visiting the three centers.

ADULT EDUCATION
Call or stop by these centers for more information on Ogeechee Technical College's Adult Education Program:
- Bulloch Workforce Development Center, 8 Joseph E. Kennedy Blvd., (912) 871-1721
- Evans Technical Education Complex, 626 Cedar Ave., Hagan, (912) 739-2959
- Screven County Workforce Development Center, 107 S. Community Drive, Sylvania, (912) 564-7326