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PLC GED Scholarship Awards Report for 2016
In 2016, Portland Literacy Council received 23 inquiries about GED testing and preparation. PLC awards prepaid test vouchers as GED scholarships to GED-Ready applicants. Of the 23 inquiries, only four applicants met all criteria and received awards.
While four awards may seem like small potatoes, PLC's program is often the only financial assistance available for GED testing fees. Typical applicants have a history of educational disappointment, low-paying jobs, housing challenges, etc. Without the awards, applicants may find that achieving this basic educational goal is beyond their financial means.
PLC has increased efforts to contact GED preparation programs to ensure that programs know testing awards are available. We have simplified our application process, and will increase communication with applicants. We are hopeful that our handful of awards will grow during 2017.
How do the GED testing awards work?
PLC has awarded GED Test Scholarships since 2003. Awards assist students with some or all official GED exam fees. Awarded as financial vouchers, applicants use voucher code numbers as payment when they register for a GED test.
How many people in Oregon take GED tests?
Since a change to more difficult, online-only testing in 2014, the GED pass rates have plunged. In February 2016, a Portland Tribune article, "Oregon GED Students Still Struggling," reported these Oregon GED graduation numbers for Oregon (figures are approximate):
- 2013 - less than 12,000 GED graduates
- 2014 - less than 2,000 GED graduates
- 2015 - more than 3,000 GED graduates
Do you want to know more about the GED?
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