Registration continues for local GED classes

Registration for the General Education Development (GED) class in Albany took place last Monday, Sept. 10, but the program is still accepting new enrollees, according to local instructor Kenzie Fairchild.

“We will accept new applicants on each Monday,” said Fairchild. “They should be at least 19 years old and must have an ID to register.”

Several types of identification forms, all of which must include the student’s name and birthday, are acceptable for registration purposes according to director of the Abilene Adult Education program Mignon Lawson, however the student will eventually need to have a photo ID.

“They must have a current photo ID to take the tests,” said Lawson. “There is no way around that! If they do not have one when they start classes, we try to get them started on obtaining one of those right away.”

The Albany GED class meets at the county library on Mondays and Tuesdays, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. throughout the school year, following the AISD holiday schedule.

“Child care is not available,” said Fairchild. “And students must commit to regular attendance and accumulate 40 hours of class time.”

For additional information call 325-721-5233.

Costs

A grant from Texas Workforce Commission funds the class. Abilene Adult Education oversees the adult education classes in 19 area counties, including Shackelford. 

Students do not have to pay for the class. However, to obtain their GED, students must pass four tests that costs $36.25 each, for a total of $145 (or more if a student requires more than one try to pass a given exam.)

Although the students are responsible for paying for the tests, scholarships are available for those that need assistance paying for the exams, according to Fairchild.

“If someone is ready to test, the costs of the test won’t stand in the way,” Lawson agreed. “Scholarships are available.”

Under Age Options

Those under 16 years old can not take the GED classes, and those that are 16 can only take the course if they have been directed to do so by a court order and their parent signs the enrollment form.

A parent signature and a high school withdraw form are needed by anyone 17 to 18 years of age before they can enroll in the class.