"The GED provides the pathway for lifelong learning," said Lori Fair, Ed.D, dean, Adult Basic Education at the Harrisburg Campus of HACC, Central Pennsylvania's Community College. "There are many reasons people take the GED tests, such as to enter post-secondary schools, vocational or training programs, for employment purposes or personal satisfaction. Often, the students who have prepared for their GED through HACC continue their education in one of our associate degree programs or transfer to a college or university to complete a four-year degree."
With almost all of American colleges, universities and employers considering the GED equivalent to a high school diploma, HACC understands the importance of serving area residents as an Official GED Testing Center, Fair added.
Three-hour orientation sessions, which are required, and preparatory classes are offered in each of the four GED tracks - regular, math only, in Spanish and fast-track. Orientation sessions are scheduled 9 a.m.-noon or 6-9 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, Aug. 21-23, in Blocker Hall on HACC's Harrisburg Campus.
During the orientation sessions, students are given a pre-test to determine their current knowledge level. The test is approximately two hours long, including time for paperwork. Attendance at an orientation session guarantees a student placement in one of the GED preparation classes, which start Sept. 4.
More than 15 million people who have successfully completed the GED since its inception during World War II as a way of helping veterans become eligible for postsecondary education without having to return to high school to earn a diploma.
To reserve a space for the GED orientation session and begin classes leading to the GED exam, call the college at 780-2650 or 780-1117.