By Michael Ormsby
One of the challenges of getting a GED® diploma is paying for classes, a GED guide, and other study material for the test. Many adult learners can’t afford the cost of childcare or transportation to attend classes. Or, students simply can’t go to GED classes on a regular basis because of family and job responsibilities. They’re stuck! They can’t get a better job without a GED diploma, and without a better job, how can they find the time and money to study for the GED exam?
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There are solutions. hough resources for adult learners vary, low-cost or free GED classes and study materials for self-guided programs are readily available in most communities. There’s also help available online for GED students working on their GED test credential.
Here’s a quick guide to help you find free GED resources and support. It’s easier to get started and stay focused on your education if you have the learning materials and support you need.
- GED Academy offers a free online GED resource Guide that includes additional contacts, detailed resources, and contact information to help adult learners access free and low-cost learning materials and community support. You can also get a sample free GED practice test online, and a free GED course sample.
- To get free GED materials, try your local library. Your public library should have many choices for a GED guide or GED study program that you can take out on loan, and may also have videos and CD-ROM GED study courses as well. In some communities, the library even sponsors a free GED course, free GED online testing for assessment, online GED courses for free, or other GED adult education programs. Some libraries may even offer childcare and storytelling classes for children while parents attend classes. Visit Libraries on the Web through Web Junction.
- Most community colleges offer an affordable or free GED course in basic skills or GED test prep. The cost of these GED courses will vary from area to area, but generally they’re either free, or not expensive. If classes are fee-based, check with the community college Financial Aid Office and Student Support offices. You may still be eligible for a free GED course and support services. Online College Directory
- In many communities, even childcare costs and transportation are available for GED students. Talk to local GED instructors or GED test locations. They’re probably very familiar with local resources. Find more information about your local GED resources.
- Community-based nonprofits, volunteer centers, family support agencies, or family resource centers are excellent sources for GED students. Contact local nonprofit agencies and volunteer centers. Ask about classes, materials, and other needs related to your educational goal such as childcare, transportation, or adult education classes or grants. Many of these agencies and centers also provide student tutoring and mentoring services. Learn about your local volunteer center through a member directory at The Points of Light Foundation.
- Your local public school district or university may have continuing education courses or adult education courses. There’s often grant money available to school districts and higher education providers that sponsor programs and classes for adult learners. Give them a call to see if they have the material or services you require for the GED test. You’ll probably want to check with the central office of the public school district, the nearest high school, and with the adult education office or career services office at your local university.
- Don’t forget about the local branch of your state unemployment office and local department of social services or family services. Both of these agencies may have funds or resources available through programs related to job training, workforce development, job readiness, or a DSS family support or welfare-to-work program.
- If you’re employed, your workplace is an excellent resource for adult education or GED test prep. Your employer may already sponsor a GED program, or be willing to sponsor a program or costs, since your goal is a good one that will be good for your employer as well as for you. Check with your employer or supervisor directly, along with the workforce development, personnel, or human resources officer or department. You may find you need to ask a variety of people in the workplace to find the answer you need. If your workplace doesn’t sponsor a program, ask for one. GED Academy provides free GED guidance to the students, adult learners, and their employers or supporters to get GED programs and adult education going in the workplace. Contact the GED Academy.
- Your local PBS television station may broadcast a free GED course that you can take. PBS also offers some online courses for basic skills required for the GED test. They’re free. Check local television listings and the PBS website.
- The GED Academy was created to provide free GED support and low-cost help for GED test candidates. Lots of free GED information, test advice, and study guides are available, along with financial aid for online GED classes.
- You may also want to check with the American Council on Education, GED Testing Service®. This organization provides official free GED information about testing, official GED test locations, GED testing scores, and GED transcripts. The website is www.gedtest.org. Or, your local official state test site and GED Administrator™ may have information about resources or support available to you. Find local GED centers.
