September 16, 2024, is the first ever National GED Day of recognition. In 1942, the United States Armed Forces Institute (USAFI) launched the General Educational Development (GED) program in response to the growing need for a standardized way to certify academic skills for those who had left high school to serve their country during WWII. Since then, more than 20 million individuals have earned their GED, proving that the pathway to success is not always linear.
The Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES Center for Learning is the hub for adult education in Cayuga County, offering a variety of educational programming for adults, including a pathway to earning a GED.
The Literacy/High School Equivalency Preparation program provides classes at no charge for anyone 21 years or older. Individuals can attend classroom hours to improve reading and math skills and prepare for the High School Equivalency Exam.
Take Melissa Emperato, for example. She left school in 1987, during her senior year. Now, years later, she’s back in the classroom, determined to accomplish something for herself.
Attending GED preparation classes three days a week, Melissa finds the flexible pace of the program a perfect fit for her.
Emperato says that she will be so proud of herself when she earns her degree and has set her sights on continuing her education in the nursing or teaching field.
Christina Emig’s journey is equally inspiring. She left school in the 9th grade after becoming a mother. At the time, she did not feel she had the support needed to continue her education. Now, years later, she’s back and more determined than ever to succeed.
Emig, who juggles work with parenting three children, has been coming to the Center for Learning for the last year and a half. As an adult with multiple responsibilities vying for her time and attention, the program’s flexibility is key. She can work at her own pace and come in for help when needed.
“From where I started with a fourth-grade education level, I have improved so much in the past year and a half,” Emig said.
In the past, Emig says that she felt helpless. Now, thanks to the supportive learning environment at the Center for Learning, Christina no longer feels discouraged and is almost ready to take the High School Equivalency exam. The personalized support and flexibility she’s received have helped her build confidence and see results.
For over 75 years, the GED program has offered a pathway to success for those who, for various reasons, did not complete high school. Today, the program continues to adapt and evolve, supporting students like Melissa and Christina as they rewrite their stories and take control of their futures.
For more information on Literacy and High School Equivalency preparation, contact the Instructor, Jennifer Kent-Isaacs at Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES Center for Learning at (315) 253-4899.
