GED...turning a key to success

Noreen Hyslop photo Regional Healthcare GED Instructor Pam Lewis oversees work done by 19-year-old Heather Sisk in preparation for the GED test she will be taking in the summer. The Foundation offers GED classes for adults through age 30 at no cost.

The program got underway in August 2009, according to RHF Executive Director Diane Mitchell.

"We received a grant for the GED Program in July of last year," she says, "and we had it up and running by mid-August."

The program is under the direction of Pam Lewis, a 30-year veteran in the education field. Lewis retired from Dexter Schools several years ago after serving as an elementary counselor. She came out of retirement to face a new challenge in educating adults who recognize the need for a high school diploma in today's workforce.

"It's been an interesting process," Lewis says of her experience thus far in educating adults. "I began with six students who were all adults and who have been in the workforce. They've learned that not being able to mark that line on a job application indicating they have received a high school diploma has been detrimental in landing a higher paying job and they joined the program because they wanted to be here and they wanted to make life better for themselves and for their loved ones."

For those who wish to increase their chances in a competitive job market by earning their high school equivalent diploma, there is really no excuse not to meet that challenge through the Foundation's GED program. There is no cost. The Foundation picks up the enrollment fee, offers the entire program to prepare for the GED test, and even provides a stipend for taking the test.

While the program is offered to the general public through age 30, it also serves an a sort of "extension" of the Foundation's Mother-to-Mother Program, which serves young mothers through the age of 21. It is highly suggested that any young mother who has completed the Mother-to-Mother Program, but who has not attained her high school diploma, enroll in the program. The benefits and options that came with the Mother-to-Mother Program continue for those young mothers who elect to continue being served through the Foundation by enrolling in the GED program.

It's not a breeze getting through the GED program these days, says Lewis.

"The process is tough," she attests. "We cover reading, language arts/writing, social studies, science, math and social studies."

Students are given a pre-test upon enrollment, Lewis says, that determines the course of study upon which she and the student will focus while preparing for the GED testing session. Students are provided with one-on-one instruction from Lewis and focus on the areas most needed as indicated by the pre-test.

When they are deemed ready, Lewis even transports them herself to the testing session. That testing session takes place at a number of stations, but Three Rivers Community College is Lewis' station of choice.

"We're given an option," Lewis says, "of taking the GED test over the course of one day or dividing it over a two-day period."

Lewis favors the two-day testing session over the one-day program.

"It's just less stressful on the students when they have two days to spend on the testing process," she says. "They have a little time to breathe and not get too frustrated between testing sessions."

The proof of the program's success comes in the form of GEDs earned by past students and so far no one can argue with that record of success. Six candidates have completed the program and all six have earned their GED.

"All six tested in one session," Lewis explains, "and only one really lacked confidence and did not pass during the first testing session at Three Rivers campus."

That student, however, focused on the area of study in which she had not succeeded and returned to pass shortly after not making the grade on the initial run.

"So," Lewis states, "all six that have completed the program have earned their diplomas."

That in itself is remarkable by any standards, but what is more remarkable is that of the six who have completed the program and earned their degree, two have qualified for college scholarships to Three Rivers Community College.

"That," says Lewis, "was just icing on the cake, and we were just so proud of those students."

Lewis meets with her potential high school grads three days a week, on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Hours are as flexible as they can possibly be, accommodating all work schedules. There are morning, afternoon and night classes.

"I never know how many are going to show up," Lewis says. "They come when they can and they work hard during the time that they can be here, and I work with them to focus on the areas of study that they need."

For those students who are "extending" their benefits through the Mother-to-Mother Program, the requirements say they must attend GED classes a minimum of six hours per week. For doing so, they reap the benefits of the M2M Program which are plentiful and geared at helping young mothers who are willing to help themselves through furthering their education and/or becoming a vital member of the workforce.

"Their success," Lewis says, "is my reward. To see these students gain confidence and self-assurance by earning this degree is so satisfying. I'm proud of them, and I'm proud for them."

The Regional Healthcare Foundation's GED classes are held at Cox' Corner, the facility at Walnut St. and Business 114 recently acquired by the Foundation.

Any adults under the age of 30 interested in attaining their GED are encouraged to contact the Foundation at 573-624-1607.