HOPE High School Equivalency Grant Now Available

Funding covers the cost of GED® exam

The Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) recently announced that eligible Georgians can now earn their high school equivalency (HSE) diploma for free. Last year, the Georgia General Assembly passed, and Governor Brian P. Kemp signed into law, a bill establishing the HOPE High School Equivalency Examination Grant Program. Eligible Georgians will receive an award of up to $200 to cover exam fees for the GED exam.

“We are so grateful to be able to offer even more opportunities to our adult education students,” shared OFTC President, Erica Harden. “To be able to remove the barrier of paying for the GED exam allows us to further our mission of workforce development by advancing these students into the next phase of their educational journey or through connecting them to job opportunities.”

There are just over 1 million adults ages 18 and older in Georgia without a high school diploma or equivalency. For some test-takers, this grant will remove the last barrier they face before earning their HSE diploma. The HOPE HSE Examination Grant is fully funded by the Georgia Lottery for Education and is available for the GED exam.

“Our students will benefit from taking advantage of this grant opportunity and we look forward to seeing how it impacts each one as they advance themselves through furthering their education,” added Demme McManus, OFTC’s Dean of Adult Education.

For an individual to be eligible to receive a HOPE HSE Examination Grant, they must meet general HOPE requirements and TCSG’s HSE test readiness standards. Georgians can apply once per subject area exam. Adult Education providers across the state also offer free classes with flexible schedules to help Georgians prepare for their HSE test. Grant funds are subject to annual state appropriation and availability of funds.

To learn more, visit www.HSEtest4Free.com. 

Those interested in starting Adult Education classes at OFTC can take advantage of day, evening and online class options available at 21 convenient locations in 11 different counties. To learn more, visit OFTC.edu/AdultEducation or contact 478-274-7848.

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