ROBINSON, Ill. (WTWO/WAWV) — The GED program at Lincoln Trail College donated books to the Crawford County Jail to help inmates prepare to earn a GED.
“There’s a significant positive impact on the community when someone earns their high school equivalency,” LTC Academic Success Center Director Rena Gower said. “The donation of these books will help give inmates without a high school diploma a chance to start preparing to earn a GED.”
Gower noted people without a high school diploma are more than twice as likely to be unemployed, working in low-wage jobs, living in poverty, and relying on government aid programs as those with higher levels of education. She said the GED graduates earn an average of $9,000 more a year than those without a high school diploma.
“When people earn a GED, there are many impacts to the community,” Gower said. “They’re less likely to be on government support, which saves states and the federal government money. It also helps their children because the mother’s reading skill level is the greatest determinant of her children’s future academic success. It can also mean higher salaries, better job opportunities, and more economic mobility for people. That translates to increased tax revenues, business productivity, and a decrease in public assistance.”
Meanwhile, Lincoln Trail College is getting ready to offer free GED classes this fall to anyone who does not have a high school diploma.
Classes are available from 9 a.m. to noon Mondays and Wednesdays and from 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. The classes help students prepare for the GED exam and cover reading and language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies.
LTC is also offering a new Bridge Manufacturing class with the GED program. In addition to help students prepare for the GED, students will also learn manufacturing and workplace skills and learn about different programs available at LTC. The class is offered from 9 a.m. to noon Tuesdays and Thursdays and is also free.
Fall semester classes at Lincoln Trail College begin August 20 and will be offered face-to-face this fall. Gower said students interested in learning more about the GED program should call her at (618) 546-2306 to set up an advising and registration appointment.
