Adult Education

The goal of the Adult Education program is to help adults of all ages acquire skills that will make them more successful in the workplace and in college. Adult education offers participants a stepping stone to brighter futures through classes that prepare them to earn a GED and/or transition to college or the workforce. The college offers these free basic and secondary-level instruction for adults at locations in the following counties: Clarke, Elbert, Greene, Hart, Madison, Oconee, Oglethorpe, Taliaferro, Walton, and Wilkes. The college provides classes in the following areas:

• Basic or remedial reading and math.
• Academic subjects at the secondary level to provide preparation for the Tests of General Educational Development (GED).
• English as a Second Language for members of the international community.
• Specific assessments and self-improvement skills needed for jobs or additional training.

The Tests of General Educational Development (GED) are five tests on writing skills, social studies, science, literature and the arts, and mathematics. The tests enable people who did not graduate from high school to demonstrate that they have acquired the knowledge and skills usually associated with the completion of a four-year high school program.

The college offers free GED preparation classes at adult education centers in all service area counties. The college conducts GED testing sessions at the H.T. Edwards Educational Complex at 440-3 Dearing Extension in Athens and at its campuses in Elbert County, Greene County, and Walton County. GED testing sessions are also offered at locations in Hart and Wilkes counties on a scheduled basis.

The Adult Education staff conducts workplace education classes for employees of area businesses and industries, either on site or at other convenient locations. Classes may include instruction in basic or advanced reading and math, GED preparation, the English Proficiency Program for Speakers of Other Languages, or specific academic skills needed for employment.

Information on adult education classes and GED testing sessions are available from the college's Adult Education Office, which is located in Building I, Suite 402, on the Athens Campus. The telephone number is (706) 583-2551. Information is also available on the college website.

Accelerating Opportunities

The Accelerating Opportunities initiative combines accelerated career training and job placement with personalized educational support. By offering students the chance to work on their GEDs while taking college courses, AO-Athens is rethinking traditional adult education by removing barriers that prevent adults from entering and completing their education. The program is committed to helping adults get the training and skills they need today to get the jobs they want tomorrow.

Accelerating Opportunities-Athens requires a two-step application process:

• Phase One requires students to attend an initiation orientation where they will learn about selected pathways and GED requirements. They will also be assessed on their entry education level. Prospective AO students must score a minimum of 6.9 on the TABE assessment.
• Phase Two requires qualified applicants to meet with advisors/success coaches to begin the college admissions process.