TULSA, Okla. — The Union Adult Learning Center (UALC) is holding its last enrollment period for the 2019-2020 school year for adults wishing to complete their high school equivalency.
Students interested must attend two sessions on March 11 and March 12 before they are fully enrolled.
The center offers free GED and HiSet prep classes taught by experienced Oklahoma certified teachers.
"Nationwide there is a push to try and get all individuals with their high school equivalency, so they can be self-sufficient and take care of their families," says Dr. Susan Hartzler, the director of UALC.
Currently, Oklahoma falls behind the national average in educational attainment. About 42.5 percent of Oklahomans have postsecondary credentials or a workforce certificate compared to the national average of 48.4%, according to "A Stronger Nation."
Dr. Hartzler says the goal is to prepare students to go beyond the high school diploma whether it is starting a career or attending college.
"We also partner with other agencies in the community to help them with that next step. We've got students that will go on to TCC. We've got students who'll go on to Tulsa Tech," says Dr. Hartzler.
Some of the center's current students taking GED classes say it is never too late to get back on track.
"There's people here older than 30 and younger than 18, so it just depends how bad you want to get out of school," says Juan Gomez.
It was 2014 when he had to make the tough decision to drop out as a junior in high school.
"Just personal problems with family and stuff like that. Having to have money at that time was very important," shares Gomez.
Now at 23 years old, Gomez says he's determined to pass his GED and continue on to Tulsa Community College to go into the medical field.
"If you want it, you gotta fight for it," says Gomez.
While the GED and HiSet prep classes are free at the center, there is a cost to take the high school equivalency test. However, UALC offers several options for financial aid to take the exam.
The center has several locations throughout the Tulsa metro area, Claremore, Muskogee, Owasso and Pryor.
For more information on enrollment or classes offered at UALC, visit its website.
You can also contact the center at 918-357-7040.
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