ISU Adult Success Center campaign promotes obtaining GED

“Your ticket to a better future. . .a better life” is a campaign being kicked off soon by the Adult Success Center in the College of Technology at Idaho State University.  “We are distributing tickets at businesses and agencies throughout the Pocatello-Chubbuck area that emphasize the importance of improving basic skills and obtaining a GED,” states Monica Conley, Administrative Assistant.                                                               

According to the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education (Measuring Up 2006:  The State Report Card on Higher Education), the chance of enrolling in college by age 19 has declined over the last decade in Idaho by 11% compared with a national decline of 2%.  Also, a very low percentage of adults ages 25 to 49 are enrolled part-time in postsecondary education.

“Adults who have dropped out of high school or know their skills are not at a level to get into college or training programs will earn substantially less over a lifetime,” explains Margaret Jacob, Adult Basic Education Coordinator.  “While unemployment is low and jobs seem plentiful now, many of them are minimum wage.  A higher education becomes even more important.”

The Adult Success Center, located on the 3rd floor of the RFC Building on the ISU campus, helps people 16 or older and not enrolled in school with reading, writing, math, computer, and English as Second Language skills.  Assessment and preparation for the GED, high school equivalency certificate, and college admissions or placement tests are offered.  

The learning environment at the Adult Success Center is inviting.  Students progress at their own speed and can choose from many individual learning options.  All services of the Adult Success Center are free.

“GED graduation will be held in early June.  Depending on skill levels and progress, many students could finish in time to march down the aisle,” Conley adds.  In addition to regular weekday hours, the center is open from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays. <>Many of the same programs offered on campus are also available at the Downtown Outreach Center in the Trinity Episcopal Church Parish Hall and at centers in American Falls, Blackfoot, McCammon, Malad, Montpelier, Preston, and Soda Springs.  Call 282-2468 for more information or stop by one of the centers.