Gov. Nathan Deal announced that 10,128 Georgians graduated with GED certificates in the past year, up from 9,842 in FY 16, according to the Technical College System of Georgia. Graduation rates for FY 17, which ended June 30, were 75.7 percent.
 
“An educated workforce provides a strong foundation for a prosperous economy, and we are dedicated to providing Georgia citizens with high-quality educational options,” said Deal. “A GED diploma opens doors to a brighter future and greater opportunities, and I applaud these graduates for embracing those opportunities. The graduates this year have each accomplished a praiseworthy feat and are now better equipped for Georgia’s workforce as a result of their hard work.”
 
Deal and TCSG recognized several outstanding GED programs and graduates this week. Rhonda Miller, an employee of the Macon Housing Authority and a graduate of Central Georgia Technical College’s GED program, received the award for Outstanding Achievement. Sabine Bercher, who received her GED diploma from Augusta Technical College, was recognized for receiving the highest overall GED test scores. Honored as the “Golden GED Graduate of the Year” was 68-year-old Oliver Toby, who earned his GED diploma through Clayton County Schools. Janice Tarleton, of Southern Crescent Technical College, was named 2017 GED Test Administrator of the Year.
 
“Achieving this milestone means that more of our citizens than ever are now qualified for greater educational and career opportunities, and we are extremely proud of each and every GED graduate,” said TCSG Commissioner Gretchen Corbin. “Each step we take in educating the working-age Georgians who have yet to graduate from high school also gives our companies greater access to the talent they need to be successful.”
 
“Our free Adult Education classes and highly-trained staff play critical roles in helping more students successfully pass their tests,” said Beverly Smith, assistant commissioner for Adult Education and GED Testing. “We know that students who attend these free classes have, on average, a 12 percent higher pass rate than students who don’t. Our Adult Education program has 31 providers at 451 education sites across the state. Our instructors are ready and able to serve Georgians who need our services. We are also engaged in an aggressive marketing campaign to reach as many citizens as possible. Our vision is to build a stronger workforce for Georgia and a better future for all of our families.”