Published: October 27, 2007 10:50 pm      

CAA recognized for GED programs

$25,000 prize awarded

Community Action, Inc. of San Marcos placed second in central Texas for its GED program.

The organization was awarded a KDK-Harman Foundation GED Award of Excellence in Austin on Wednesday, which included a $25,000 prize.

The award recognized GED programs that successfully employ innovative strategies that increase the completion of their students taking GED classes and encourage continuation of post-secondary education or entry in to the workforce. Also, it highlighted the need for adult education funding.

“This award identifies outstanding adult education programs that are educating nontraditional students, while at the same time rewarding those who go above and beyond in the way they instruct GED classes. It is important to ensure that these students are supported and encouraged to complete their GED and look at post-secondary and workforce opportunities,” said Janet Harman, founder and president of the KDK-Harman Foundation.

Community Action Adult Education Director, Jon Engel, said the money will be used to find materials to help the learning process, to employ teachers or to employ a transition specialist to help graduates acclimate after receiving their GED.

Applicants and other providers of GED programming were invited to attend a GED Collaborative Learning Session facilitated by the Texas State University expert panel in advance of the award ceremony and luncheon. Attendees to the award ceremony at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center included politicians, researchers, foundations, award applicants and other non-profit agencies providing GED services. The two key-note speakers were Susan Clifford-Narvaiz, Mayor of San Marcos, who has a GED certificate, and Joanie Rethlake, the state director for adult education.

The first place award went to the Austin Learning Academy of Austin and third place went to The Austin Academy.

Community Action is a San Marcos based organization that focuses on HIV prevention education in Hays, Caldwell, Blanco and surrounding counties. It is funded by grants and state and federal funding.