The Petit Jean Regional Foundation awarded the Booneville and Paris adult education programs operated by Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus $480 to assist students with their General Educational Development (GED) test fees.
The Petit Jean Regional Foundation is a non-profit organization designed to assist the needs of Logan County residents.
Regina Olson, ATU-Ozark adult education director, worked with local residents Vanessa Wyrick and Robert Herrera to secure the funds needed to sustain the program for up to two years.
“Although our classes are always free, the GED has a cost associated with the test,” said Olson. “Generous donations from organizations such as the Petit Jean Regional Foundation provide relief for Logan County residents and allow all enrolled students of the adult education program to earn their Arkansas high school diploma free of charge. Having access to education is vitally important for our community and our local workforce. We hope that those in need of a GED in Logan County will take advantage of this program and the other free resources that we provide to improve their life and work situations.”
In addition to GED classes, adult education offers free classes to assist students with improving their basic skills in reading, math and language and competency in the English language with an integration of digital and financial literacy skills improvement to prepare students to enter postsecondary training and/or employment. Certification programs include GED, WAGE, pre-apprenticeship in industrial manufacturing and Microsoft Office certifications. Students can enroll in classes at any time by contacting their local center.
To learn more about services offered and hours of operation, or to schedule a free GED test, contact the Booneville Adult Education Center, 2932 E. State Highway 10, (479) 675-4326; or the Paris Adult Education Center, 2008 E. Wood Street, (844) 963-3243 ext. 5111.
Photographed (from left-to-right): Robert Herrera, market president, First Western Bank of Booneville, and vice chair, Petit Jean Regional Foundation; Debbie Danekas, vice president/human resources administrator, First Western Bank of Booneville; Christy McCollough, Booneville adult education instructor; James Anderson, Paris adult education instructor; and Regina Olson ATU-Ozark adult education director.
