The High School Equivalency Testing (HiSET) prep classes, also known as the GED or General Educational Development, is offered on Fort Leonard Wood and in the surrounding communities. The program is funded by the Missouri Department of Education and under the direction of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Waynesville R-VI School District.
Tina Woody, director of the HiSET Program, explained that the program is in place to assist adults to become literate and obtain knowledge and skills necessary for employment and self-sufficiency.
"Education is important because adults who are skilled workers and college educated often earn more than those with a high school diploma or without a diploma," Woody said.
This program is free and open to any adult, 17 or older, to improve any educational skill or academic area.
Adele Nickels has been an instructor for the Adult Education of Literacy Program since 1996.
"If someone did not complete high school and needed to get a high school diploma, we can help you prepare for the HiSET test. We can also help you if you wanted to improve your GT (General Technical) score," Nickels said.
Nickels also explained that people who come into the program really want to improve their life with education.
"Their success means that we succeed," Nickels added.
Micayla Blankenship, of Saint Robert, has been a student in the HiSET Program since April. She entered the program to prepare for the GED test so she can attend college.
"Since I entered the program, my math and language skills have improved significantly," Blankenship said.
Before the program, she was a little timid but as she progressed and saw her potential, she became more confident.
"If I could tell the public about this program, I would tell them to not be afraid and to never give up on your education," she said.
"The testing was a little hard but they go at your own pace, so it makes it very nice," Blankenship said.
The HiSET and prep classes are available 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the Truman Education Center; 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Mondays at the Waynesville/Pulaski County Library and 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays at Waynesville Community Center.
For more information, call 573.842.2546.
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