Waycross Rotarians Learn About CPTC Adult Ed Program
Kelly Peacock (center) of Coastal Pines Technical College (CPTC), was greeted by Billy Gillis (left), Waycross Rotary president, and Keith Hawthorne, Rotary public relations director, at a regular meeting of the club. Peacock, guest speaker at the September 23 meeting, told members that over 600 students are enrolled in the CPTC adult education program. The program is designed to assist adults with academic skills. Classes are free.
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Kelly Peacock (center), executive director of adult education for Coastal Pines Technical College (CPTC), was the guest speaker at the Waycross Rotary Club recently and spoke to club members about the CPTC Adult Education Program.
According to Ms. Peacock, the CPTC adult education program offers three areas of educational support to citizens: (1) classes that lead to a GED (General Educational Development) diploma; (2) English as a Second Language (ESL) classes for non-native speakers (beginning, intermediate and advanced English); and (3) basic skills classes for adults who want to improve reading, writing, and/or math skills to help children with homework, gain confidence, etc.
Students interested in earning a GED are given an assessment when they first enroll to determine their current academic level. The program offers traditional “in-class” and online courses for passing the GED tests. Classes are available both day and evening (Monday – Thursday) and start every other week with an orientation session. Eligibility requirements apply.
In order to pass the GED test, a candidate must score 150 on each of the four subject-area tests: science, social studies, mathematical reasoning, and reading/ language arts. Each subject area test costs $40, making the total investment $160. In 2013, the CPTC adult education program had an 87% student pass rate on the GED test.
Ms. Peacock told members that 605 students currently participate in the adult education program with the majority (85%) focusing on obtaining a GED. A 60/40 split of women to men make up the current population of adult education students. A little over half are twenty-four years old or younger.
Because most participants are unemployed (74%), many cannot afford the GED test fee. As a result, the OTC Foundation established a GED Testing Fee Grant/Scholarship. A GED Testing Fee Fund is established for each of the six counties served by the Foundation. Eligible applicants must meet specific criteria to receive assistance. The GED Testing Service (GEDTS) also supports GED candidates who are economically disadvantaged by offering some financial aid.
Ms. Cindy Tanner, CPTC vice president for institutional advancement, accompanied Ms. Peacock to the meeting. Tanner thanked Rotary members for their support of OTC and CPTC. She thanked them especially for the annual scholarship the Waycross Rotary Club funds for CPTC students and asked members to consider support for GED candidates.
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