The University of New Mexico-Gallup’s Adult Basic Education Center reports a significant increase in GED graduates during a recent six-month period. Fifty-six people earned GEDs from July 1, 2006, to June 30, 2007. From July 1 to December 2007, 48 individuals earned GEDs.
Christine Gleason Abassary, GED program director, said, “If the trend continues, a 50 percent increase for the year may occur.”
GED, or General Educational Development, includes a battery of tests that must be taken and passed. A certificate is awarded that shows the test-taker has earned the equivalent of a high school education. The GED may be taken by anyone who has not graduated from high school, including dropouts and home-schooled.
GED students comprise 11 percent of UNM-Gallup’s enrollment, and regularly participate in the branch’s annual graduation ceremony in May. The Student Services Department of the college hosted a fall graduation ceremony in December 2007 and invited recent GED graduates as a way of encouraging students to make the transition to college.
“Individuals of all ages and backgrounds have attained a GED and are typically better prepared for college with the rigorous studies needed to pass the test,” Abassary said. “Graduates are also eligible for scholarships and grants to fund their education.”
Abassary encourages people who don’t have that piece of paper to inquire at the ABE Center about the program.
“Never let anyone or any idea about who you are supposed to be hold you back, even if your circumstances dictate otherwise,” she said. An ABE student art show will reflect students’ experiences and successes in keeping anyone or anything from defining their identities or abilities. The display will be in the Gurley Hall Commons area from Feb. 18 through mid-March.
Call (505) 863-7525 for more information.
Media Contact: Linda Thornton, (505) 863-7565; e-mail: lthornton@gallup.unm.edu