A special grant to support displaced workers who have lost their jobs in the recession of the past two and a half years is still in effect through spring quarter at Georgia Northwestern Technical College’s (GNTC) Adult Learning Centers.

In addition to providing 20 hours a week of class time for eligible displaced workers who are enrolled to improve their academic skill levels to qualify for re-employment or enrollment in postsecondary education and training, the grant will continue to pay the $95 GED® Testing cost for eligible adults through June 30. Classes are offered in basic education skills, preparation for the GED® Test, and English as a Second Language.

After June 30, the support for GED Testing fees will no longer be available. GNTC wants interested test takers to understand that there will be a significant price increase after July 1, 2011. The new pricing will range from $175 to $250 depending on the number of tests taken at one time. The test centers would like to accommodate as many examinees as possible between now and June 30.

"We are quite concerned over this cost increase which we have no control over,” stated Susan Hackney, GNTC vice president of Adult Education. “ What we can do is assist as many people as possible in completing their testing before June 30. A high school or GED Diploma are critical for education and career success."

Unemployed adults who could benefit from earning the GED® Diploma are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity during spring quarter, which has been made available through GNTC and the Northwest Georgia Regional Commission.

For information on Adult Education, contact Jim Fowler at GNTC’s Walker County Campus at 706-764-3564 or Susan Hackney at GNTC’s Floyd County Campus at 706-295-6972. A listing of all Adult Learning Centers is available at the GNTC website www.gntc.edu under Adult Education.