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In an April meeting, members of the Bainbridge Lions Club heard about local adult education programs that can change hopelessness into the potential for a lifetime of success. Emory Smith is in charge of this local program, which is administered by the Southern Regional Technical College. The program provides instruction so that adult learners may pursue either the GED High School Equivalency Diploma or the HiSET credential.

Smith told the club that often students were unable to complete high school because of circumstances beyond their control, for example illness in the family or a need for the family to relocate. We know that without a high school diploma, a young person is at a great disadvantage when seeking employment. He points out that education equals opportunity, and more education is linked to more opportunity. The person who has a diploma has reason to hope, and may be able to move forward to more education or training and greater opportunity. He tells that he personally is gratified to serve in a capacity that offers life-changing hope and good fortune to people in the program.

Instruction is available both in-person and online, and without cost, to incarcerated persons as well as the general public. Often, lack of education and opportunity is linked to illegal behavior and subsequent incarceration. Especially for persons caught up in such a life pattern, there is real pride in earning the GED. Smith reports that these individuals frequently speak of having hope that they will be able to earn a living because they achieved a recognized education credential. The achievement is often the crucial first step out of a pattern of failure and into a positive outcome. For anyone who completes the requirements and obtains the GED or the HiSET credential, future development of skill and potential are within reach.

Scholarships and financial aid are available to cover costs such as testing fees or instructional aids that may not be covered by other programs. More information about the programs is available on the ADULT EDUCATION menu selection on the webpage: www.southernregional.edu or by phone at 229-248-2517.