GED testing offered at new location
Demetria Gaines of Republic practices the GED test at the adult education center in the Fayette Health Center on New Salem Road in Uniontown.
Angel Saunders, left, of Uniontown, leans over to Demetria Gaines of Republic to give her tips on a General Education Diploma (GED) practice test in the adult education center in the Fayette Health Center on New Salem Road in Uniontown.
Adult learners take practice General Education Diploma (GED) tests at the new computer testing center located at 100 New Salem Road, Uniontown.
For 26-year-old Melissa Copenhaver, passing the final portion of the General Education Diploma (GED) exam was an indescribable moment.
“I can’t even explain it,” said Copenhaver. “I was relieved that I was done, and excited that I’m now able to do other things besides staying at a part-time job.”
Copenhaver, a mother of four, currently works part-time at a local department store, but has dreams to pursue a career in nursing. She believes the GED will make that a possibility.
“There are more opportunities for me now,” she said.
Copenhaver passed the final portion of the exam at a new GED testing site in Fayette County.
The Intermediate Unit I opened a new location earlier this year for adult basic and literacy education program.
In March, the program began offering GED classes and case management services in the Fayette County Health Center at 100 New Salem Road, Uniontown. GED testing is newest service being made available to students.
“This is a big step,” said Rachel Bozek, adult education coordinator with IU I. “When you have to go to a new location to take a test, it can be nerve-wracking. The students who take classes here can now become familiar with the testing center before they take the test. It’s less stressful.”
The GED is composed of four sections, which are reasoning through language arts, math, science and social studies.
Bozek said most people, like Copenhaver, take each section of the GED by itself rather than taking it all at once.
Each section of the test costs $30, or $120 for the entire exam.
“We offer scholarships for students,” Bozek said. “So they can take the test for free, but there are certain criteria they have to meet.”
In addition to scholarships, Bozek said the IU I also offers vouchers for students to take the practice exam, which costs $6 to take.
She said about 20 students are currently studying and preparing to take the exam.
Testing is offered on the last Tuesday and Wednesday each month at the New Salem Road lcoation, however, the practice test can be taken at any time.
“Whenever we brought it up to the students, they were very excited because they’re already familiar with this location,” Bozek said. “I’m excited for them.”
While Copenhaver believes passing the GED is an important step to reaching her career goals, she said she received other necessary guidance from the IU I as well.
“They help you with more than just your GED,” she said. “They give you guidance and help you with want you want to pursue after classes and testing.”
According to Bozek, case managers assist students with career awareness activities, including providing guidance on how to fill out a job application and discussions on the difference between and loan and a grant as well as career goals.
Matt Weightman, an adult education coordinator and Copenhaver’s case manager, said he worked with Copenhaver one-on-one and determined possible certified nursing assistant (CNA) classes she could attend.
In addition to testing and GED preparation, other courses provided at the adult education center include, English as a second language, a bridge course to prepare students for post-secondary learning, as well as a TEAS course for those who wish to enter the health field.