Grant Provides Free GED Testing for Qualified South Carolinians

Local adult education programs will be able to provide no cost General Education Development (GED) testing thanks to a partnership between the state's workforce and education agencies.

The South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW) has awarded the SC Department of Education (SCDE) a $100,000 grant to support GED testing of South Carolinians.

The award is an initiative of the State Workforce Investment Board (SWIB), a 31-member board appointed by the Governor, and is designed to strengthen South Carolina's workforce. 

In South Carolina, approximately 9,000 adults take the GED examination each year, and approximately 70 percent earn passing scores.

"Providing South Carolinians with the foundational skills that are necessary for employment makes sense – individuals become more marketable and businesses have a greater pool of workers to choose from," said Mikee Johnson, chair of the SWIB. "We are glad to have formed this partnership with the SC Department of Education."

Individuals interested in getting their GED should contact a local adult education program, visit http://ed.sc.gov/agency/programs-services/92/ or call803.734.8238/toll-free 800.277.7323.